PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s women’s doubles still lack depth, and former international Lee Meng Yean hopes a reliable second pair will emerge soon.
For now, the burden continues to fall on world No. 2 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, with the next best pair, Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting, trailing far behind at No. 25.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) had another promising combination in Go Pei Kee-Teoh Mei Xing, but Pei Kee’s exit from the national set-up has left a void.
Beyond that, Malaysia’s next best are juniors Chong Jie Yu-Vanessa Ng at No. 66.
Meng Yean, who reached a career-high world No. 10 with Chow Mei Kuan before retiring in 2022, urged BAM to quickly develop pairs capable of matching higher-ranked opponents.
“The truth is, the gap is still quite far,” said Meng Yean, a 2020 Tokyo Olympian.
“In the past, Malaysia had Woon Khe Wei-Vivian Hoo, myself and Mew Kuan, and Pearly-Thinaah.
“So it’s urgent that BAM find a second pair. I believe they are. However, I don’t see it happening just yet.”
The lack of options in the women’s doubles camp could also prove a problem at the Uber Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24-May 3.
Meng Yean said it was paramount that Pearly-Thinaah deliver points for Malaysia, but it would be tough to expect the same from other pairs.
“On paper, Pearly-Thinaah have to get a point, but the other pairs will be juniors, and they still require time and experience on court,“ said Meng Yean.
Malaysia have been drawn in Group B alongside Japan, Turkiye, and South Africa in the Uber Cup.
