PETALING JAYA: Former shuttler Ang Li Peng knows what it takes to stand atop the podium and the senior is thrilled to see Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah climbing that same path to glory.
Li Peng etched her name in history alongside Lim Pek Siah when they became the first Malaysian women’s doubles pair to strike gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
The pair’s victory was an important breakthrough and Malaysia then went on to win four women’s doubles titles in the next five editions through Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty (2006), Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei (2014), Vivian-Chow Mei Kuan (2018) and Pearly-Thinaah (2022).
Since then, Pearly-Thinaah have risen to become one of the most exciting pairs in the world, hitting a career-high No. 2 in the world rankings last month.
“It’s amazing to see each generation producing standout players. As senior athletes, we are happy to see the players evolving,” said Li Peng.
“Pearly-Thinaah have a dynamic style of play. They redefine excitement for today’s generation.
Cheers to their consistency: Thinaah and Pearly have reached at least the semi-finals in five out of their past six tournaments.
“In my opinion, they are an all-rounded pair – strong in attack, solid in defense and capable of producing thrilling rallies.”
After seeing Pearly-Thinaah enjoy a fine year so far, Li Peng has backed the pair to end Malaysia’s wait for a medal in the women’s doubles in the World Championships from Aug 25-31 in Paris.
“Pearly-Thinaah have always been one of the most consistent pairs we ever had. Given their current form, they are at their peak and their chances of winning a medal is very high,” said Li Peng.
“They have consistently reached semi-finals and finals in their past few tournaments and this doesn’t just require skills and good strategies but mental strength as well.”
Pearly-Thinaah have reached at least the semi-finals in five out of their past six tournaments.
Overall this year, the duo have captured the Thailand Open and finished runners-up in the Japan Open, Indonesian Open and Masters.
Li Peng also believes that returning to the same venue as the Paris Olympics - the Adidas Arena in Port de la Chapelle - will give Pearly-Thinaah huge motivation in the world meet.
In the Olympics last August, the pair created history by becoming the first Malaysians to reach the last four of the women’s doubles in the showpiece event.
“Psychologically, it will help to play in Paris again after the Olympics. They are familiar with the stadium,” said Li Peng.
“The moment they step into the stadium, their spirits will be lifted and they will be highly motivated.”
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.
Meanwhile, Malaysia will also be represented in the women’s doubles by world No. 18 Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee.
The pair, who have improved steadily since combining last year, 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.
