Tan-Goh end two-year title drought
Published on: Monday, January 14, 2019
KUALA LUMPUR: Men’s doubles pair Tan Wee Kiong-Goh V Shem bagged their first title as an independent duo when they clinched the Thailand Masters crown on Sunday ending their two-year-title drought.
With a string of disappointing performances stretching back two years, the duo finally broke that dismal run beating Taiwan’s Lu Ching Yao-Yang Po Han 21-13, 21-17 in the final, reported the New Straits Times.
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After coming under heavy criticism for their poor performance in the last two years under the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), V Shem-Wee Kiong can finally breathe a sigh of relief, and start looking forward towards their goal of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics next year.
V Shem-Wee Kiong, who quit the national body last month, will also be looking to secure sponsorship deals following their win in Bangkok.
It was a double celebration in Bangkok as Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying won the mixed doubles title by seeing off second seeds Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand 21-16, 21-15.
The only difference this time is that they too are no longer under BAM.
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“Of course, we are very happy because we successfully defended our title. It is also extra special for us because this is our first tournament this year and we are also an independent pair.
“It is going to be a continuous struggle for us as it will never be easy having to do everything on your own, but we are ready to face it,” said Peng Soon.
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Both Malaysian pairs pocketed US$11,850 (about RM48,500) each in prize money, and will be competing next in the Malaysia Masters that starts on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Penang-born Singaporean shuttler Loh Kean Yew stunned top seed Lin Dan of China 21-19, 21-18 in the men’s singles final.