Malaysia’s women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah in action against Indonesia’s Lanny Tria Mayasari-Ribka Sugiarto during the quarter-finals of Asia Team Championships at Setia Alam Convention Centre on Friday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Women’s doubles shuttler M. Thinaah is living her childhood dream.
Not many had the belief that the former singles player will be able to make a name in the doubles, even the player herself, but her hardwork and perseverance over the years has finally paid off as she will be finally making her way to the Paris Olympic Games with Pearly Tan for the first time.
The skinny player has only promised to get better.
“Qualifying for the Olympics means a lot to me as it is every athlete’s dream to compete on the biggest stage ... and I’ve had this goal since I was a child,” said Thinaah.
It was the switch in 2019 that made all the difference.
She was the 2017 national singles champion but after teaming up with Pearly, their fortunes changed and they went on to win their first title together at the 2021 Swiss Open.
There have been several other milestones since then, including being the first woman pair after 16 years to reach the world championships quarter-finals last year and only the second to do so after former internationals Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty.
This year, they achieved the rare feat of toppling world No. 1 and four-time world champions Chen Qingchen-Jia Yifan of China in the second round of the All-England.
The duo could have achieved more if not for injuries to Pearly and a lack of killer instinct in crucial stages of a game.
And Thinaah was humble enough to accept where they stand.
“It was a great feeling to beat the world No. 1 China pair but there is still room for improvement.
‘‘We will next focus on getting our game going in the Asia Championships (Ningbo, China, from April 9-14),” added Thinaah, who is currently ranked 13th in the world with Pearly.
