The Korean Open often serves as a stage where badminton’s finest test their mettle against world-class competition. For Malaysia, mixed doubles pairs Goh Soon Huat–Shevon Jemie Lai and Low Tien Ci–Yap Chiew Sien carried hopes of deep runs in the tournament. Instead, both duos bowed out earlier than expected, falling short of the high expectations surrounding them.
While disappointing, their early exits also provide valuable lessons. In badminton, setbacks often act as springboards for growth. For both established veterans and ambitious newcomers, the Korean Open highlighted challenges to address before moving forward.
Soon Huat and Shevon A Veteran Duo Under Pressure
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Background and Experience
Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai are among Malaysia’s most experienced mixed doubles players. Over the years, they have built a reputation for unpredictability—capable of beating top-seeded opponents but also prone to inconsistency.
As seasoned professionals, they entered the Korean Open aiming to regain momentum after a season marked by mixed results. Their world ranking kept them in contention for major tournaments, but questions lingered about their ability to sustain high-level performance.
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Their Korean Open Campaign
Drawn against an emerging European pair in the opening round, Soon Huat and Shevon were favorites. Yet, from the first game, cracks appeared:
- Game One saw the Malaysians struggle with rhythm. Miscommunications on court allowed their opponents to exploit gaps, leading to a 17–21 loss.
- Game Two was tighter, with Shevon asserting herself at the net and Goh delivering smashes from the back. They edged it 22–20, forcing a decider.
- Game Three unraveled as unforced errors mounted. Fatigue appeared to set in, and the pair conceded 15–21, crashing out earlier than expected.
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Analysis of Their Struggles
- Inconsistency Under Pressure – Despite experience, lapses in focus during crucial rallies proved costly.
- Defensive Vulnerabilities – Opponents targeted Shevon with steep smashes, exposing defensive gaps.
- Communication Issues – Moments of hesitation suggested a lack of clarity in shot selection and positioning.
Tien Ci and Chiew Sien Learning the Hard Way
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Rising but Raw
Low Tien Ci and Yap Chiew Sien represent the new generation of Malaysian mixed doubles talent. Their pairing is relatively fresh compared to Soon Huat-Shevon, but their promise has been evident in recent months.
The Korean Open was an opportunity to test themselves against top-tier competition. Unfortunately, they found the step-up challenging.
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Their Korean Open Journey
Facing an experienced Japanese pair in the first round, Tien Ci and Chiew Sien fought hard but fell short:
- In Game One, nerves were evident. They conceded early leads and couldn’t recover, losing 14–21.
- Game Two showed flashes of brilliance. Chiew Sien’s net interceptions unsettled the Japanese, and they led mid-game before faltering to a 18–21 defeat.
Though the match ended in straight games, the Malaysians demonstrated resilience, forcing extended rallies and testing their opponents’ patience.
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Analysis of Their Struggles
- Lack of Experience – Against seasoned opponents, their shot selection sometimes betrayed inexperience.
- Finishing Weakness – They struggled to close out rallies even when in commanding positions.
- Positional Discipline – At times, overlaps in movement left them vulnerable to cross-court attacks.
The Broader Picture What These Exits Mean
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For Soon Huat-Shevon
As veterans, the early exit adds pressure. Their inconsistency has long been noted, and with younger pairs rising, questions will intensify about their long-term role in Malaysia’s mixed doubles setup. The Korean Open underlined the need for:
- Better synergy during high-pressure rallies.
- Improved defensive strategies.
- Mental composure to avoid lapses at key moments.
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For Tien Ci-Chiew Sien
For the younger pair, the loss serves as a learning experience. Early exits are common for developing partnerships. What matters most is their ability to absorb lessons, refine their tactical approach, and continue building chemistry.
Reactions from Coaches and Analysts
Malaysian coaches acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized perspective.
- On Soon Huat-Shevon: “They have the tools to win, but they must rediscover consistency. If they can tighten their defense, they remain dangerous opponents.”
- On Tien Ci-Chiew Sien: “They are still raw. What they need now is exposure and time. Matches like this are part of their growth.”
Analysts noted that Malaysian mixed doubles, compared to men’s and women’s doubles, faces steeper challenges globally, with China, Japan, and Korea dominating the discipline.
Fan and Media Reactions
Malaysian fans expressed frustration online, particularly with Soon Huat-Shevon, whose inconsistency has been a recurring theme. Some called for younger pairs to be given more opportunities.
However, others highlighted the importance of patience, especially for Tien Ci and Chiew Sien. Their spirited showing, despite defeat, won admiration for their fighting spirit.
Technical Breakdown
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Common Issues Across Both Pairs
- Service Returns – Opponents often gained initiative right from the serve, placing the Malaysians under pressure.
- Net Play – While Chiew Sien showed flashes of dominance, overall net control was inconsistent across both pairs.
- Shot Selection – Risky plays at critical points led to unforced errors.
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What Needs Improvement
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- Consistency: Reducing error counts in extended rallies.
- Rotation: Ensuring smoother positional exchanges to cover the court effectively.
- Mental Strength: Building confidence to close out tight games.
Comparisons with Global Rivals
When compared with top pairs from China or Indonesia, the gap becomes clear:
- Speed of Play: Elite pairs maintain relentless tempo, whereas the Malaysians occasionally lose intensity.
- Conversion Rate: Top pairs seize opportunities with clinical finishing, while Malaysians often allow opponents to recover.
- Synergy: The best mixed doubles pairs operate almost instinctively, a level both Malaysian pairs are still working toward.
Lessons from the Korean Open
- Experience Matters – Veterans must leverage experience, while juniors must learn from exposure.
- Adaptability is Key – Successful pairs adjust mid-match; both Malaysian duos struggled to alter tactics once behind.
- Patience in Development – Especially for Tien Ci-Chiew Sien, progress will come with time and exposure.
Looking Ahead
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For Soon Huat-Shevon
Their immediate challenge is regaining confidence. With several tournaments remaining, consistency will be crucial to retain their world ranking and maintain relevance in BAM’s long-term plans.
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For Tien Ci-Chiew Sien
The path is about steady growth. Regular participation in international tournaments, combined with targeted training, can help them bridge the gap.
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For Malaysian Badminton
The dual exits at the Korean Open highlight the broader issue: Malaysia’s mixed doubles depth lags behind other disciplines. Addressing this requires:
- Focused coaching expertise in mixed doubles.
- Greater exposure for younger pairs.
- Long-term investment in nurturing balanced partnerships.
Symbolism of Early Exits
While defeats sting, they also remind players and fans that success is built on resilience. For Soon Huat-Shevon, it’s a call to rediscover consistency. For Tien Ci-Chiew Sien, it’s a chapter in their development story.
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