Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah have long been recognised for their resilience on court, and in 2025, that consistency has evolved into record-level financial returns.
The world No. 2 pair concluded their regular season in ideal fashion last Sunday, clinching the Kumamoto Masters title in Japan — their third World Tour crown of the year.
They have opted to withdraw from this week’s Australian Open, prioritising recovery ahead of next month’s World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China.
Across 17 World Tour events this year, Pearly-Thinaah earned US$304,915 (approximately RM1.26 million), marking the most financially successful season of their careers.
Their prize money was built on consistent deep runs: three titles, three finals, four semi-finals, and five quarter-final finishes. Regardless of tournament tier — from Super 300 to Super 1000 — they rarely exited before the last eight, placing them among the most reliable contenders on the global circuit.
However, their earnings could have been significantly higher.
The pair fell just short at two of the most lucrative events on tour: the Indonesia Open and China Open. With champions earning US$107,300 (RM445,295) in Jakarta and US$148,000 (RM614,200) in Changzhou, converting one of those late-stage opportunities could have pushed their season earnings beyond US$500,000 (RM2.07 million).
The total also excludes external rewards tied to their historic silver medal at the Paris World Championships — the best-ever achievement by a Malaysian women’s doubles pair. That runner-up finish triggered bonuses from the National Sports Incentive Scheme (Shakam), BAM, sponsors and corporate backers, adding substantial income outside the World Tour structure.
Next month’s World Tour Finals present their biggest financial opportunity yet. The prize pool has increased from US$2.5 million (RM10.38 million) to US$3 million (RM12.45 million), making it the richest badminton tournament in history.
For women’s doubles qualifiers, payouts are unprecedented:
- Champions: US$252,000 (RM1.04 million)
- Runners-up: US$102,000 (RM423,300)
- Semi-finalists: US$51,000 (RM211,650)
- Group stage qualifiers: US$21,000 (RM87,150) minimum
By qualifying, Pearly-Thinaah have already secured the entry-level purse, but the main prize is the 12-figure jump awaiting the eventual winners.
A title run in Hangzhou could elevate their season earnings into the multi-million ringgit bracket — potentially cementing the 2025 campaign as one of the most lucrative ever achieved by a Malaysian badminton pair.
