For the first time in HSBC BWF World Tour Finals history, Malaysia will have two mixed pairs in the semifinals, thanks partly to the valiant efforts of Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie.

Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei had secured a last four spot winning their opening two Group B matches, including against Goh and Lai, who kept their bid alive after beating Hiroki Midorikawa/Natsu Saito on Thursday.

The husband-and-wife duo completed their comeback with a 17-21 21-15 21-14 win over Dejan Ferdinansyah/Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja today while Chen/Toh defeated the Japanese tandem in straight games to top the group.

“Very happy, never really thought we’d make it this far,” admitted Lai post-match. “Looking at the draw, we thought we had a chance but we didn’t have high expectations because all the pairs are here on merit.

“We didn’t have the best of starts so (to rebound) and make the semis means a lot. Our teamwork was fantastic. We never gave up and rose back after each lost point.”

Lai did her post-match media duties alone as Goh sought treatment for an injury sustained during the match.

Superman-dive-save from Goh Soon Huat!

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“He dived and hurt his rib. I salute him. His will to keep going is the strongest I’ve seen.”

This return to the semifinals, their first since January 2021, holds greater significance.

“Of course, the prize money is a huge boost!” Lai said with a smile. “It will help a lot with next year’s planning. I hope this inspires and motivates our (independent) teammates back home.”

Does that mean a second honeymoon is on the cards off-season?

“I’m definitely not letting him forget!” laughed Lai before continuing “Jokes aside, we will have a proper one after retirement. We want to continue playing, so that will have to wait for a while.”

Yamaguchi Misses Out

An Se Young’s 21-11 21-15 win over second seed Han Yue eliminated 2022 champion Akane Yamaguchi before she even took to court. The Japanese didn’t take the match lightly though, going the distance 13-21 21-14 25-23 against Supanida Katethong.

“I’m representing my country, I had to give my best for the flag,” Yamaguchi said after the 72-minute duel.

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WHAT OTHERS SAID

“In a way it’s beyond my expectations but I’ve also worked hard for these results. I hope to continue my momentum in the next match.” – Aya Ohori on finishing her group unbeaten

“We’ve been together for eight years. I’m used to seeing him every day, probably more often than my family. I’ll remember all our on-court moments.” – An emotional Tse Ying Suet after her last outing with Tang Chun Man