Bangkok: Malaysia’s World No. 14 men’s pair Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong have advanced to the YONEX Thailand Open final on Saturday.
The Rio Olympic silver medalists needed only 29 minutes to tame Indonesia’s 2019 World Junior Boy’s Doubles champions Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin 21-19, 21-10.
The Malaysian duo relied on their experience and speed to pressure Carnando/Marthin to commit many unforced errors, especially in the second set to claim the victory.
For Goh, he was happy with their performance and hoped they could maintain their rhythm consistently in the finals against Lee Yang/Wang Chi-Lin of Taiwan.
“Today’s match was in our favor because the opposing pair looked a little nervous,” said Goh.
“They made a lot of simple mistakes in the second set. Maybe what they planned did not happen. But for me and Wee Kiong, we were happy to be able to execute our game plan well,” added Goh.
In addition to their first BWF Super 1000 final appearance in four years, after winning the 2016 BWF Super Series Finals in Dubai, the pair will either win US$74,000 (RM298,000) or US$35,000 (RM141,277) depend on the outcome of the final. This prize money would provide a timely financial lifeline for the independent pair.
“Last year it was so difficult, we had zero income. We had to maintain ourselves and we have families, the question was how to manage and we are still learning,” said Goh to BWF website.
“As independent players, we have to handle a lot of stuff ourselves, we have to arrange everything,” said Tan.
Bangkok had been a lucky place for the Malaysian duo as they won the Thailand Masters title two years ago after they left the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
“It’s good that we can get to the final after such a long period. At the moment we are enjoying the game, that’s most important for us. We will study our opponents for tomorrow and stay focused,” added Tan.
