Not Meant To Be

Not Meant To Be - Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie just ran out of steam in the mixed doubles final of the Thailand Open.

The world No. 33, bidding for their third career title, lost 13-21, 21-16, 12-21 to reigning world junior champions He Jiting-Du Yue of China in Bangkok yesterday.

Soon Huat-Shevon appeared affected by their 66-minute semi-final win over world No. 9 and top seeds Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand on Saturday.

And Jiting-Du Yue, both 19, seized the early initiative as they clinched the first game effortlessly.

National No. 3 Soon Huat-Shevon gave a much better account of themselves in the second game. They came from 6-9 down to win 21-16 to force a rubber.

But Jiting’s speed and athleticism caused the Malaysians all kinds of trouble. Soon Huat-Shevon faded off after a bright start as the Chinese eventually romped to their first senior title after 56 minutes.

It was certainly a disappointing finish for Soon Huat-Shevon.

But there is some consolation for Soon Huat-Shevon, who were only paired up last November, as they are set to break into the world’s top 25 for the first time. They are expected to climb nine rungs to No. 24.

Soon Huat-Shevon, who are set to lead the mixed doubles challenge at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games from Aug 19-30, will next compete in the Indonesian Open from June 12-18. They meet Dechapol-Sapsiree in the first round.

Meanwhile, India’s B. Sai Praneeth bagged the men’s singles crown after coming from a game down to beat Indonesian youngster Jonatan Christie 17-21, 21-18, 21-19.

World No. 8 Ratchanok Intanon delivered some home cheer after beating compatriot Busanan Ongbamrungphan 21-18, 12-21, 21-16 for the women’s singles crown.

Indonesia, however, were the biggest winners of the day as they won both the men and women’s doubles titles.