Bangkok: Malaysia’s two independent pairs, Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying (mixed doubles) and Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong (men’s doubles) put up sizzling displays to claim two titles at the Thailand Masters that was held in Bangkok on Sunday.
Playing in their first tournament as professional pair, the No. 1 seeds Chan/Goh who left the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) earlier this month were able to defend their title by defeating No. 2 seeds Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Sapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand 21-16, 21-15 in the final.
Chan/Goh stayed positive when they were down 6-10 in the second set, showing their resiliency to break the Thailand pair at 11-11, and never really looked back.
“It was a very difficult decision for us to leave BAM, but we are really happy to win this tournament,” said Goh.
Chan/Goh were followed by Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong, as the Malaysian men’s pair was hardly challenged in a 21-13, 21-17 win against No. 5 seeds Lu Ching Yao/Yang Po Han of Taiwan.
This was Goh/Tan’s first international title in nearly two years since winning the Dubai Superseries finals at the end of 2016.
“First of all, it’s great to be able to win the first tournament in 2019. This victory means a lot to us, because this is our first title in nearly two years,” said Tan Wee Kiong.
