Shuttler Tan Boon Heong ties the knot

Shuttler Tan Boon Heong, one half of the 2007 All England men's doubles champion and former world number one pair, tied the knot with his partner of more than 10 years, Sherlyn Tan Yean Ling here Monday.

Boon Heong, who once held the world record for the fastest smash on court, however, was nervous while awaiting his bride who was walking down the aisle during their wedding ceremony at the Anovia Bridal hall.

When going up on stage to give his speech, Boon Heong thanked his girlfriend of 10 years for being a pillar of strength during his highs and lows.

The Commonwealth Games double gold medal winner had proposed to his girlfriend in Australia last June 7 during the Australian Open when they were having dinner, by simply slipping a "will you marry me" note on a dinner plate and placing a diamond ring in the middle.

She said 'yes' in front of their family members and friends, and at that moment, Boon Heong could not hold back his tears of joy.

During the press conference after the wedding ceremony, Boon Heong said when he first met Sherlyn, he didn't expect to marry her since he knew her sister first.

"I am lucky enough to find a wife as good as her. She understands that I must leave home for practice and for tournaments, and the best part is that she's been with me from the beginning, before I turned professional," he said.

As for Sherlyn, she said she too had never thought of leaving him.

"I knew he is the one and no matter how hard things were, I never left. And I am lucky to be his wife now," she said.

The wedding ceremony was attended by some 50 close family members and several VIPs, and sponsored by Anovia Bridal as well as Obsedian Wedding Studio.

However, the couple's honeymoon might have to wait as Boon Heong would be competing in the China Open and Hong Kong Open next month. -- Bernama