SHAH ALAM: Women’s doubles shuttler M. Thinaah is out to lead by example in the Asia Team Championships after being appointed as captain of the women’s team.
The 26-year-old is one of the oldest members of the team along with fellow doubles player Teoh Mei Xing, who turns 27 next month.
Thinaah and Pearly Tan, who form the country’s No. 1 pairing and are currently ranked No. 14 in the world, will be relied on to deliver points for the team and they are out to do just that.
“We have been working hard together in the team and we want do well in this tournament,” said Thinaah.
“We don’t want to put undue pressure on ourselves but will give our very best.”
The duo are hoping to turn around their form after a disappointing start to the year.
Pearly-Thinaah suffered early round exits in the Malaysian and Indian Opens before losing in the last eight of the Indonesian Masters.
National coaching director Rexy Mainaky has roped in fellow Indonesian coach Muhammad Miftakh in an effort to turn around Pearly-Thinaah’s form.
Former Indonesian men’s doubles players Ade Yusuf and Gerardo Rizqullah Hafidz have also been brought in as sparring partners for Pearly-Thinaah.
“The new coach and sparring partners has given Pearly and me a boost,” said Thinaah.
“Everything has been going well in training with them so far. We believe they can help us elevate our game further.”
Malaysia will open their campaign in Group Y against minnows United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Setia Alam Convention Centre today.
The team will face a tougher challenge against Thailand in their last group match tomorrow.
Malaysia had reached the semi-finals in the last edition in 2022.
The other doubles players in the team are Go Pei Kee, Low Yeen Yuan and newcomer Tan Zhing Yi.
In the singles, Wong Ling Ching will be making her debut in the team meet and will join Goh Jin Wei, Letshanaa and Siti Nurshuhaini Azman.
