PUCHONG: As Malaysians gear up to celebrate Merdeka Day on Aug 31, all eyes will be on women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah as they chase history at the World Championships in Paris.
The duo, who embody Malaysia’s unique multicultural spirit, are hoping to gift the nation its first-ever women’s doubles medal at the prestigious event.
Former international Woon Khe Wei, who once trained with them at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), believes their breakthrough could not come on a more meaningful day.
“It would be truly special to see Pearly–Thinaah in the final on Merdeka Day. If they succeed, they will inspire many young Malaysians of all backgrounds to pick up badminton,” said Khe Wei at the launch of her sports academy in Puchong.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing them perform well in Paris.
“They have been quite consistent this year and hopefully, they can win Malaysia’s first medal in women’s doubles in the world meet.”
No women’s doubles pair from Malaysia have ever won a medal in the world meet before this.
Pearly-Thinaah have been in fine form this year, capturing the Thailand Open and finishing runners-up in the Japan Open, Indonesian Open and Indonesian Masters.
Their consistent showings saw them rise to a career-high No. 2 in the world last month.
Pearly-Thinaah became the first Malaysians in the women’s doubles to reach No. 2 since Chin Eei Hui-Wong-Pei Tty, who became world No. 1 in 2009.
Khe Wei, who went as high as No. 9 with Vivian Hoo, is thrilled to see her juniors surpass her own achievements.
“I’m happy to see Pearly-Thinaah become so much better than me and Vivian,” said Khe Wei.
“This is also good because not many women players in Malaysia have done well. I like their style of play as well.”
Khe Wei also has some advice for Pearly-Thinaah before they head to Paris.
“They need to be confident but at the same time, they cannot afford to take any match easily.
“They have to focus on every match. I think physically and mentality-wise, they will be well-prepared.”
Pearly-Thinaah have received a bye in the first round and will likely play Hong Kong’s Lui Lok Lok-Tsang Hiu Yan in the second round.
Joining Pearly-Thinaah in Paris are world No. 18 Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee.
The pair have also been given a bye in the first round and could face world No. 19 Bulgarian sisters Gabriela Stoeva-Stefani Stoeva for a place in the third round.
