Home / Olympics 2016 / Goh hopes to be V-ictorious in Rio final

Goh hopes to be V-ictorious in Rio final

By
Updated: August 19, 2016
dcx_doc6r28vtat56alb49rle2

V Shem (back) and Wee Kiong in action during the semi-finals on Tuesday.

Goh V Shem changed his name for better luck.

From Wei Shem, he opted for V Shem. And he has been reaping the rewards since then.

On Friday, he hopes to be on the V-ictorious side with Tan Wee Kiong in the men’s doubles final against China’s Fu Haifeng-Zhang Nan at the Riocentre Pavilion 4.

V Shem-Wee Kiong reached the gold showdown after edging Chai Biao-Hong Wei of China 21-18, 12-21, 21-17 in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

 If V Shem lives up to his name, he and Wee Kiong will become the first Malaysians to win an Olympic gold.
dcx_doc6r28w4r7y1c1g17yfle2
V Shem wants their gallant run at the Olympic Games to end with a gold

“I changed my name because it was better for me. It’s also easier to remember. After my name change, I won the Malaysian Open (in 2014 with Lim Khim Wah),” said the 27-year-old V Shem.

After his partnership with Khim Wah was broken up in 2014, V Shem partnered Wee Kiong. And they have gone on to win two golds – men’s doubles and mixed team – at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and a bronze at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. They also won a silver at the 2014 Thomas Cup in New Delhi.

V Shem-Wee Kiong were winners of the US Grand Prix last year as well as the Indian Grand Prix Gold this year.

“I think we’ve done a good job so far at the Games. We have good communication and co-operation,” said V Shem.

V Shem-Wee Kiong have met Haifeng-Zhang Nan three times in their career and the Malaysians lead 2-1.

In their first meeting – at the French Open in 2014 – the Malaysians won 21-19, 9-21, 21-19. The China pair then won 21-14, 21-15 at last year’s Indonesia Open.

In Rio, V Shem-Wee Kiong defeated the China pair 16-21, 21-15, 21-18 to top Group B.

On probably the most important match of his life today, V Shem said: “We hope we can play well. I will give my best and try very hard to win the medal (gold).”

Wee Kiong added: “To make it to the final is one of our greatest achievements. I think our attitude on court is our strength. We never give up … keep pushing.”

Related Posts