4 days ago
Soon Huat-Shevon offer tactical tips to beat in-form Thai rivals
KUALA LUMPUR: Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai fell once again to Thailand's in-form mixed doubles duo, Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran — but not without leaving valuable lessons for compatriots Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.
The world No. 5 were outplayed 21-16, 21-12 in Friday's Indonesia Open quarter-finals — their fifth defeat in six meetings this year against the fast-rising Thai pair.
Soon Huat-Shevon, who have struggled to cope with the relentless Thai attack, now hope Tang Jie-Ee Wei can succeed where they failed in Saturday's semi-final against the same opponents.
"They're very consistent and keep a high pace throughout to pressure us," said Soon Huat.
"We just couldn't keep up with their speed."
That speed and precision are the hallmark of Dechapol-Supissara's partnership cince they teamed up in October last year.
In just eight months, they've rocketed to world No. 6 and already claimed five titles, including the Malaysia Open (Super 1000) in January and the Singapore Open (Super 750) last week.
While Dechapol needs no introduction — he won the 2021 world title with former partner Sapsiree Taerattanachai and once topped the world rankings — it's his chemistry with Supissara that's caught attention.
Supissara, who previously had limited success with Supak Jomkoh, has clicked immediately with Dechapol to form one of the most dangerous combinations on tour.
"Compared to when Dechapol was with Sapsiree, his partnership with Supissara is faster in front-and-back attacking transitions," said Shevon.
"With Sapsiree, their game focused more on rotation. She was strong defensively. But Supissara brings a more traditional mixed doubles approach — the woman at the net, the man at the back.
"Dechapol is high-energy. He does everything — backcourt, frontcourt, defence, midcourt. They switch tactics constantly and have so many options. That's what makes them hard to handle."
Shevon also admitted her own inconsistency proved costly.
"My performance wasn't as stable or consistent as I wanted it to be," she said.
"We gave away too many easy points. I need to reflect on that — especially when we're playing back-to-back tournaments."
Soon Huat-Shevon will now take a short break before returning for the Japan Open and China Open next month.
