Superior show: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah knocked out Singapore Open runners-up Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakanishi 21-6, 21-18 in 37 minutes.
PETALING JAYA: National women’s doubles shuttlers Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah have a chance to make Indonesia one of their favourite hunting grounds when they face off China’s Li Yijing-Luo Xumin in the semi-finals at Istora Senayan.
The world No. 4 Pearly-Thinaah made it to the last four in Jakarta yesterday after knocking out Singapore Open runners-up Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakanishi 21-6, 21-18 in 37 minutes.
The Malaysians have a chance to reach their second final this year at the same venue if they can beat the Chinese pair for the first time.
They had lost to the world No. 6 pair at the China Open last year. Ironically, it was the Chinese pair’s only title to date.
Pearly-Thinaah also reached the final of the Indonesian Masters this year but were beaten by Kim Hye-jeong-Kong Hee-yong of South Korea.
Thinaah did not want to think too far but prefer to focus on their recovery before the semis clash.
“We will discuss about our plans against the Chinese pair, have a good rest and eat well before the match,” said Thinaah.
She, however, is happy that their strategy worked to the tee against the Japanese pair yesterday.
“The Japanese pair were in good form coming here after reaching the Singapore Open final but we were more focused on our strategy against them. It worked.”
Pearly attributed their calm approach for their quite consistent form in the last four weeks.
They had won the Thailand Open, reached the Malaysian Masters semi-finals before losing in the last eight of Singapore Open last week.
“We are quite happy with our form and hope to keep the momentum going. In the past weeks, we have learnt to be calm and I think, that’s the key,” added Pearly.
