Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s two independent pairs, Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong (men’s doubles) and Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying (mixed doubles) have turned in strong performances to storm into Malaysia Masters semi-finals on Friday.
Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong gained full support from the very vocal home crowd in Kuala Lumpur as they saved 2 set points, rallied from 18-20 to take the first set 22-20 against No. 3 seeds Hiroyuki Endo/Yuta Watanabe of Japan.
Goh/Tan started the second set with more confident, and after 13-13, the Malaysian pair surged on to beat Endo/Watanabe 21-15.
“The audience gave us a lot of support, although we started with a little nervous, but fortunately we are able to gradually get into our rhythm. In regards to playing Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo tomorrow, they are very strong, but we will be prepared and will play our best,” said Goh.
“We couldn’t adapt to our opponent’s playing style today. Fortunately, we were able to win first set and the match. About the semi-final, of course we have the home advantage, but the Indonesian pair is very strong. Anyhow, we will enjoy the match,” said Tan.
Meanwhile, Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying escaped a quarter-final scare to beat their former teammates at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to move into the semi-finals.
Chan/Goh had to overcome an early deficit in the second set to edge Goh Soon Huat/Shevon Jemie Lai 22-20, 22-20 in a compelling contest that lasted 49 minutes at the Axiata Arena, KL Sports City.
Goh told reporters the clash was an emotional one as this was the first meeting between both pair since Chan/Goh left BAM early this month.
Chan/Goh will meet No. 1 seeds Yuta Watanabe/Arisa Higashino of Japan next.
