World No.3 Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai will have their task cut out in the Swiss Open 2025, starting Tuesday.
The Malaysian pair will be up against China’s new pairings — Jiang Zhen Bang-Huang Dong Ping and Feng Yan Zhe-Wei Ya Xin — in the mixed doubles event.
Incidentally, the husband-wife pair was knocked out by China’s Zhen Bang-Dong Ping at the All England Open 2025 and will be cautious against the Chinese pairs in Basel.
The 2022, 2023 runners-up will face Zhen Bang-Dong Ping if they make their way into the semi-finals.
“The top two Chinese pairs have incredible endurance and can maintain a high-quality game throughout. They are more consistent than us,” Shevon said at the All England.
“But it’s a great opportunity for us as it will help improve our game and strategy.”
Huat-Shevon, 35 and 32, are the oldest and consistent pair in the World top 20.
However, as independent pairs, they have had challenges to face. “It’s a huge challenge as an independent pair because we have to manage everything ourselves,” Shevon added.
“We don’t have anyone governing us, so we maintain the highest level of discipline and have been enjoying our career.”
At the Swiss Open 2025, their Chinese challenge will continue till the final, as they will be up against Yan Zhe-Ya Xin for the title.