{
  "id": 5746752,
  "title": "Soon Huat-Shevon see light at end of tunnel after Shenzhen revival",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/soon-huat-shevon-see-light-at-end-of-tunnel-after-shenzhen-revival",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-05T08:30:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2026/09/1526236/soon-huat-shevon-see-light-end-tunnel-after-shenzhen-revival"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR - While falling short of the China Masters final, doubles team Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai have found renewed hope in their recent performance at Shenzhen. They lost to China's top-ranked duo Feng Yan and Huang Dong Ping 21-11, 24-22 in the semi-finals on Saturday. For Soon Huat, it marked his first Super 750 semi-final since the India Open in January of last year and their first appearance in the quarter-finals this season after three consecutive eliminations.\n\nThe pair, currently ranked as world No. 11, attributed their recent struggles to a loss of direction. Shevon admitted, \"We did not have a clear direction or goal.\" Since working with a new coach, the duo has faced new challenges and discovered a refreshed environment. Soon Huat added, \"It means a lot to us because we can see plenty of improvement from both of us. We will keep going and work harder.\"\n\nDuring the match, Yan and Dong Ping dominated the opening game. However, Soon Huat and Shevon responded with a tactical adjustment in the second set, pushing the Chinese pair to deuce. They switched their defensive strategy after struggling against Yan's powerful smashes, creating a defensive response that made it harder for them to follow up. Soon Huat improved his rhythm and smashes, boosting their confidence when defending.\n\nYan and Dong Ping will face Malaysia's Hoo Pang Ron and Lai Pei Jing in Sunday's final.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai may have fallen short of the China Masters final, but their encouraging run in Shenzhen has convinced them they are finally heading in the right direction.",
  "key_points": [
    "Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai reach Shenzhen semi-finals",
    "Team finds renewed hope after coach switch",
    "Yan and Dong Ping advance to final against Hoo and Lai"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}