KUALA LUMPUR: Anything less than a first-round win would have spelled trouble for national women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan–M. Thinaah at the Malaysian Open.
Facing unheralded Indian sisters Rutaparna Panda–Swetaparna Panda, the world No. 2 duo delivered as expected, needing just 30 minutes to cruise to a 21-11, 21-9 victory at the Axiata Arena yesterday.
It marked only the second time Pearly and Thinaah have advanced beyond the opening round of the home tournament, having last done so in 2022.
The previous three editions, however, had ended in disappointment after first-round exits in 2023, 2024 and 2025 – which explained Pearly’s visible relief following yesterday’s win.
“We did think about it (the early exits), and we know that we needed to improve on,” said Pearly.
“We have been disappointed too by exiting in the first round, and the fans didn’t get to see us in action longer on the court.
“So this year we have come really prepared.”
Added Thinaah: “It’s the first day and a new season, so we want to keep a good momentum going for us. But of course, there will be things to improve on.”
Pearly-Thinaah will now have a SEA Games final repeat in the second round tomorrow as they face Indonesia’s Febriana Kusuma-Meilysa Puspitasari.
The Malaysians won the gold and they have also beaten the pair thrice in the World Tour.
Meanwhile, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik also booked their spot in the men’s doubles second round after beating Chen Zhi Yi-Presley Smith of the United States 21-11, 21-19 in just 34 minutes.
They will face either China’s Chen Xujun-Liu Yang or Taiwan’s Liu Kuang-heng-Yang Po-han for a place in the quarter-finals.
“We’re feeling good. Our condition is good and physically everything is all okay.
“It’s a good start to the season,” said Aaron.
Teammates Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi also cleared the opening round after defeating Goh V Shem-Choi Sol-gyu 22-20, 21-12 in 38 minutes to set up a meeting against India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty today.
