KUALA LUMPUR: Professional mixed pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai are determined to cap off their year with a strong showing at the World Tour Finals (WTF) in Hangzhou after achieving several encouraging results this season.
The married couple will take on the season's top pairs at the WTF, where the best eight performers vie for a share of the US$2.5 million (RM11.05 million) prize pool.
Winners in the doubles category stand to earn US$210,000 (RM929,000), with the tournament also offering 14,000 ranking points under the revamped world ranking system.
After a disappointing outing at the 2022 WTF in Bangkok, where they managed to play only one match in the group stage, Soon Huat-Shevon are aiming to build on what has already been their most successful season since teaming up in late 2016.
The pair's prospects in Group B appear favourable, with compatriots Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, Indonesia's Dejan Ferdinansyah-Gloria Widjaja, and Japan's Hiroki Midorikawa-Natsu Saito as their opponents.
They notably avoided Chinese heavyweights Zheng Si Wei-Huang Ya Qiong and Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin.
"We're maintaining a balance between excitement and composure," said Shevon.
"After Soon Huat's bout with food poisoning in Bangkok two years ago, we're hopeful for a better experience this time.
"This opportunity came as a pleasant surprise, considering our inconsistent start to the year," she added.
"Missing out on Olympic qualification was devastating, but we stayed focused, knowing our journey wasn't over."
The pair's resurgence was highlighted by victories at the Swiss Open in March and the Malaysia Masters in May, along with their maiden Super 1000 final appearance at the China Open.
Their strong form continued with semi-final finishes at both the Arctic Open and Kumamoto Open in Japan last month.
Shevon credited their success to a shift in mindset.
"This has been our career-best year," she said."Our passion for the game remains strong, and we want to continue until we feel truly satisfied, knowing retirement is a one-way door.
"Rather than chasing unfinished business, we're embracing the pure joy of the sport. We've moved past the overwhelming pressure of seeking wins and perfection, learning to accept our journey – including each other and the inevitable ups and downs.
"Now, we genuinely savour every match we play."
Soon Huat-Shevon's previous WTF appearances were in 2018 and 2020, where they reached the semi-finals.