PETALING JAYA: Five wins. That’s all that stand between Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and history as Malaysia’s first women’s doubles champions at the All-England.
The world No. 2 pair arrive in Birmingham with momentum and belief, but their path to glory begins with a stern opening test today against Japan’s Arisa Igarashi-Chiharu Shida – a combination that carries painful memories.
Shida, during her previous partnership with Nami Matsuyama, dominated the Malaysians with 13 wins in 16 meetings and knocked them out of last year’s tournament.
Even with a new partner, Shida remains a major hurdle. The Japanese duo already beat Pearly-Thinaah at the Denmark Open last October, underlining the size of the task ahead.
Women’s doubles coach Rosman Razak insists his charges must be ready for battle from the first shuttle.
“Every tournament is different. Preparation matters, but match conditions and tactical changes can decide everything,” he said. “They must stay sharp because opponents adjust as the rounds progress.
“They have played here many times, but conditions will still be different and so will the opponents. We do not know how our rivals have prepared or what they have added to their game,” said Rosman.
Rosman stressed that it is not only Igarashi-Shida whom they must keep an eye on.
Pearly-Thinaah, he said, must remain alert to the tactical shifts of every opponent throughout the tournament, as such awareness could prove decisive once they step onto court.
“Our opponents tend to change their style of play as the tournament progresses,” added Rosman.
It will be a tall order for Pearly and Thinaah despite their status as the world No 2. Since making their All-England debut in 2021, they have yet to progress beyond the quarter-finals.
This year, they are determined to change that narrative and turn potential into silverware.
Also in action are youngsters Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting, who face a baptism of fire against last year’s runners-up Yuki Fukushima-Mayu Matsumoto.
