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MasterChef viewers 'disappointed' after fan favourite's shock elimination: 'Robbed'
The final two contestants of season 16 have been decided.
MasterChef viewers were on the edge of their seats during Monday night’s episode as the judges decided which two contestants would go head-to-head in the season 16 grand finale. The nail-biting semi-final saw Savindri ‘Sav’ Perera, Nat Thaipun and Josh ‘Pezza’ Perry tasked with creating a three-course menu for a group of 20 diners and the judges under the guidance of Curtis Stone.
The top three had five hours to prove why they should make it to the finale and while the competition was extremely close, it was Sav who ultimately had to hang up her apron. The 30-year-old banking consultant, who was eliminated earlier in the season but earned her way back into the kitchen, prepared kalu pol pork belly followed by a ghee-poached lobster and a salted Greek yogurt and lemongrass sorbet amuse-bouche for dessert.
Viewers took to social media following Sav’s exit to express their disappointment, especially considering how positive her feedback was from the judges.
“That was a surprise. Based on the judge’s comments, I thought Pezza & Sav would have been in the grand finale,” one person wrote.
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“I’m sad & disappointed to see Sav leave the competition!” another added, while a third said, “Sav was robbed”.
“Sad for Sav - she deserved to be there with Nat,” someone else remarked, followed by a different user who shared, “Really proud of Sav, she’s definitely achieved her goal of showcasing Sri Lankan food throughout the competition”.
“Ngl, I think this should have been the first semi-final where they all make it. It was a really close fight,” another commented.
Sav speaks out following her elimination
Sav shared a lengthy post on Instagram after her elimination to say she walked away from the competition with “so much pride and gratitude”.
“Today, I finally started to believe that I am good at what I do. Today, I got to tell 16 year old Savi that it’ll be a version of me that’s creating space for lots of young brown girls & telling them that it’s okay to speak your mind, to be brave. Today, I healed the little girl & young woman in me that felt like I never deserved to take up space,” she wrote.
“To our Nat and Pez. I am so thrilled for you, I am so proud of you both. Get lots of rest because the finish line is almost here! And that’s a wrap for me! Now: to sleep for the next 2 business days.”
'National hero'
Her season 16 co-stars shared their well wishes in the comments, with Nat writing: “Honestly you bloody killed it girlie, so so proud of you.”
“Well done Sav, you shone a spotlight on Sri Lankan ingredients, flavour and cooking. National hero,” Darrsh Clarke replied.
“Congratulations Sav! What an absolutely phenomenal journey! You should be so proud of yourself, the nation is in awe of your incredible feat!” Sumeet Saigal added.
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Judge Poh Ling Yeow also left a heartwarming comment commending her on educating Australia about Sri Lankan cuisine.
“We are chuffed you doggedly placed wonderful Sri Lankan morsels in front of us nearly every day you've been in the kitchen,” she said. “And yes, little brown girls be looking up at savvy Sav cuz you've slayed as savagely with your wit as you have with your cooking. Well done my friend and see you in Rads soon!”
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