Friday, 20 Sep 2024

Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai Triumph at the Singapore Badminton Open 2018

Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai created a stunning upset at the Singapore Badminton Open 2018 by defeating Olympic champions and top seeds, Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir. In an enthralling match, the Malaysians emerged victorious with a score of 21-19 21-18, claiming their first title at this level.

Unfazed and Authoritative

Throughout the game, Goh and Lai displayed a mindset that was authoritative and unfazed, not allowing themselves to be overawed by their opponents, who were the reigning world champions. Their winning moment perfectly encapsulated their approach, with Goh skillfully maneuvering his partner out of the way to deliver a thunderous smash, followed by a trio of sharp shots from Lai to seal the deal.

Ahmad and Natsir, on the other hand, found it difficult to replicate their brilliant best. Despite mounting comebacks in both games, they were unable to break down their Malaysian opponents, who stuck to their offensive tactics and impressively weathered the storm. The belief and faith in their strategy paid off, earning Goh and Lai a prize money of US$28,045.

A Dream Come True

“This is our first title at this level, and we’re very excited,” Goh joyfully expressed after the match. His powerful smashes proved to be a constant problem for the runners-up. Lai, deadly in the front court, emphasized their determination to stay steady and focused whenever Ahmad and Natsir drew level in the score. She also acknowledged the honor of playing against the champions before Natsir’s impending retirement.

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Reflecting on the defeat, Natsir lamented the inconsistent performance that she and Ahmad displayed in the final. Despite their disappointment, she acknowledged the surprise of reaching the title-decider with just one week’s preparation after their success at home. Looking ahead, Natsir sees this as a valuable lesson that will help them improve as they prepare for the Asian Games.

Ahmad also highlighted the fast-paced nature of the Malaysians’ game, admitting that there were moments when they should have matched their opponents’ speed but instead played at a slower tempo.

Other Victors

In other categories, the Men’s Doubles crown was claimed by veteran duo Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia, who defeated Ou Xuanyi and Ren Xiangyu. Ahsan/Setiawan showcased their quality performance, closing the match with a score of 21-13 21-19.

Meanwhile, the Women’s Doubles final saw a thrilling battle between Nami Matsuyama/Chiharu Shida and Ayako Sakuramoto/Yukiko Takahata, both representing Japan. After a hard-fought encounter, Sakuramoto/Takahata emerged as the winners, securing their fifth crown in five Tour finals this year.

FAQs

Q: What was the final score of the Mixed Doubles match at the Singapore Badminton Open 2018?

A: Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai defeated Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir with a score of 21-19 21-18.

Q: How did Goh and Lai approach the game against the world champions?

A: Goh and Lai maintained an authoritative and unfazed mindset throughout the match, sticking to their offensive tactics and not allowing themselves to be overawed by their opponents’ reputation.

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Q: How did Ahmad and Natsir reflect on their performance in the final?

A: Ahmad and Natsir acknowledged their inconsistent performance and their difficulty in maintaining focus. They saw it as a valuable lesson that will help them improve as they prepare for future competitions.

Conclusion

Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai’s victory at the Singapore Badminton Open 2018 is a testament to their skill, determination, and belief in their game plan. Their triumph over the Olympic champions and top seeds, Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir, showcases their immense potential and signals a promising future in the mixed doubles category. As they continue to evolve and face new challenges, badminton enthusiasts eagerly await their next stellar performance. Visit Carnegiecentre for more badminton news and updates.

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