From underdogs to top contenders, Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah have officially arrived as one of the most feared pairs in women’s doubles badminton.
Now ranked world No. 3, the dynamic duo’s recent rise has caught the attention of even the sport’s traditional powerhouses — including China. Their dominant performance at the Japan Open, where they stunned world No. 2 home favourites Chiharu Shida and Nami Matsuyama in straight sets (21-13, 21-11), sent a clear message. Though they fell to China’s world No. 1 Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning in the final, it marked their second consecutive Super 750 runners-up finish after the Indonesia Open.
Former international Woon Khe Wei believes this breakthrough has rival nations watching closely.
“After the Japan Open, rival nations will definitely be more worried,” said the 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist.
“Pearly-Thinaah have shown they can pressure the world’s best. Even China’s top pairs are now preparing specifically to face them.”
Woon credits their aggressive new playing style and growing synergy with national coach Rosman Razak as key factors in their rise.
“They’ve been more confident and fearless lately. Now that the contract issue is settled, they’re more relaxed — on and off the court,” she added.
“Financially, they’re secure. That stress is gone, and it’s a huge relief for any athlete. Rosman’s tactical clarity and calmness under pressure have made a big difference.”
The pair recently signed a four-year extension with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), reinforcing their commitment and confidence heading into the Olympic cycle.
Their next challenge? The China Open in Changzhou, where they begin their Super 1000 campaign against world No. 42 Carmen Ting and Ong Xin Yee. Should they progress, rematches against both Shida-Matsuyama and Liu-Tan could await — with their maiden Super 1000 title up for grabs.
