South Korea’s An Se-young celebrates after beating China’s Wang Zhiyi in the women's singles final in the Malaysian Open this year at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Top South Korean women singles star An Se-young it seems is close to signing a lucrative sponsorship deal with Yonex but there is still no resolution for Malaysia's women's doubles duo Pearly Tan-M in relation to their contracts.
The world No. 3 Pearly-Thinaah have still yet to sign new deals with BAM after their contracts expired last December.
It is learnt that the BA of Malaysia have had discussions but yet to finalise the contract matters with the reigning Thailand Open champions Pearly-Thinaah. It seems the pair, who reached the semi-finals of the Paris Olympic Games last year, have been offered a better deal outside and could turn professionals.
Meanwhile, according to reports that has been circulating recently, the 23-year-old Se-young is on the verge of signing a deal worth around US$1.44 million per year.
The Korean Badminton Association (KBA) allow national players to sign individual sponsorships, a landmark decision which they made in May this year.
Earlier, Yonex had been fighting with Li Ning to secure the world No. 1 Se-young under their banner. Se-young is in high demand after winning the Paris Olympic gold last year and the world title in 2023 and is currently the best player in the circuit.
