PETALING JAYA: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah remain one of Malaysia's best medal prospects at the World Championships despite not being at their top form in recent tournaments.
Former world No. 1 women's doubles shuttler Wong Pei Tty believes Pearly-Thinaah still have what it takes to challenge in New Delhi.
This time, Pearly-Thinaah are seeded fifth and have received a first-round bye in the world meet starting today at Indira Gandhi Stadium.
They will face either Turkiye's Bengisu Ercetin-Nazlican Inci or United Arab Emirates pair Mysha Omer Khan-Taabia Khan in the second round.
While there have been doubts over their recent form, Pei Tty does not see it as a major concern as the pair are still trying to regain their momentum following Pearly's return from injury.
"For Pearly and Thinaah, their performances in the recent competitions have not yet reached their best level, but I see those tournaments as important preparation for the World Championships," said Pei Tty.
"They can use them to regain their rhythm, confidence and match sharpness, and hopefully build towards their best form at the right time.
"With their experience at this level, I believe they can still challenge strongly.
Pearly has been trying to rediscover her best form after a back injury forced her to pull out at the last minute from the Uber Cup Finals in Horsens in April.
A runner-up finish at the Taiwan Open earlier this month has also given Pearly-Thinaah some much-needed confidence ahead of their campaign in New Delhi.
The pair made history in Paris last year when they became the first Malaysian women's doubles to win silver at the World Championships before losing to China's Liu Shengshu-Tan Ning in the final.
As for Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee, Pei Tty hopes the World Championships debutants will not be intimidated when they come up against some of the world's best players.
Carmen-Xin Yee will open their campaign against Ukraine's Polina Buhrova-Yevheniia Kantemyr and victory would set up a second-round clash against second seeds Yuki Fukushima-Mayu Matsumoto of Japan.
"For Carmen and Xin Yee, I hope they go in with a nothing to lose mindset. This is a great opportunity for them to enjoy the experience, play with freedom and confidence, and show what they are capable of.
"They should take this chance to shine, and hopefully they can surprise everyone," she added.
