In the unforgiving world of international badminton, there are matches that end swiftly, and then there are matches that test every ounce of physical and mental endurance. For Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, their clash against a formidable Korean duo at the China Masters 2025 belonged firmly in the latter category.
Despite fighting tooth and nail for nearly 90 minutes, the Malaysians fell just short, bowing out after a punishing three-game duel that showcased the very best and worst of elite competition. The loss was heartbreaking, yet it revealed qualities of resilience, unity, and determination that suggest brighter days still lie ahead.
The Build-Up Anticipation and Pressure
Heading into the tournament, Pearly and Thinaah carried the weight of expectation. Ranked among the top women’s doubles pairs in the world, they have emerged as Malaysia’s brightest hope in a category historically dominated by Chinese, Korean, and Japanese shuttlers.
The pair had enjoyed a solid run in recent months, posting respectable results on the BWF World Tour and proving they could hold their own against higher-ranked opponents. Still, inconsistency had dogged their campaign. One week they would storm into the semifinals, the next they would fall in the early rounds.
The China Masters represented an opportunity to cement their status among the elite, and their matchup against a Korean pair—renowned for discipline, defense, and relentless pressure—was seen as a litmus test of their progress.
The Opponents Koreans Built on Stamina and Defense
Korean women’s doubles pairs have long been synonymous with tireless work ethic and defensive resilience. Their style is simple yet brutally effective: retrieve every shuttle, drag opponents into long rallies, and capitalize on mistakes.
The duo facing Pearly and Thinaah embodied these traits. Though not as decorated as some of their compatriots, they had gained a reputation for frustrating attacking opponents with their dogged retrieving and impeccable coordination.
For Pearly and Thinaah, this was always going to be a mental as much as a physical challenge.
The Match A Marathon Duel
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First Game – Malaysians Strike Early
The opening game saw Pearly and Thinaah take control with their trademark aggression. Pearly, positioned at the front court, dictated the pace with sharp interceptions, while Thinaah unleashed powerful smashes from the back.
They surged to an early lead, catching the Koreans off guard with their intensity. At 11–7, the Malaysians looked poised. Though the Koreans mounted a brief comeback, Pearly and Thinaah held firm, closing out the first game 21–16.
It was the perfect start. The Malaysians looked confident, energetic, and in sync.
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Second Game – The Korean Resistance
If the first game belonged to Malaysia, the second belonged to Korea. Adjusting their tactics, the Koreans slowed down the tempo, forcing long rallies and dragging the Malaysians into extended exchanges.
Suddenly, Pearly and Thinaah’s aggression became a double-edged sword. Impatience crept in, leading to unforced errors. Pearly’s net shots clipped the tape and fell back, while Thinaah’s smashes were retrieved and countered.
The Koreans pulled away mid-game and never looked back, taking it 21–14. The match was now level, and the momentum had shifted.
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Third Game – A Battle of Endurance
The decider was nothing short of epic. Both pairs threw everything they had into the contest. Every rally stretched beyond 20 shots, each point greeted with gasps from the crowd.
At 15–15, the tension was unbearable. Pearly dived full stretch to keep the shuttle alive, Thinaah thundered down smashes, but the Koreans answered every challenge.
Fatigue became a factor. The Malaysians, having invested heavily in attack, began to tire. The Koreans, seemingly unfazed, stuck to their defensive wall. In the final stretch, errors crept into the Malaysians’ game. A missed smash here, a wide return there, and suddenly the scoreboard read 21–18 in favor of Korea.
After more than an hour of grueling badminton, the Malaysians were out.
Reactions from the Court
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Pearly Tan’s Emotions
Visibly drained, Pearly admitted after the match:
“We gave everything, but it wasn’t enough today. The Koreans played incredible defense, and we lost patience in key moments. It hurts, but we will learn from this.”
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Thinaah’s Determination
Thinaah, ever the fighter, struck a more defiant tone:
“We know we can compete with the best. Matches like this are tough, but they show us where we need to improve. We will come back stronger.”
Analysis Why the Malaysians Fell Short
- Patience Under Pressure
The Koreans thrived on extending rallies, and at times, Pearly-Thinaah struggled to stay patient. Their eagerness to finish points often resulted in errors. - Fatigue Factor
By the third game, the Malaysians were clearly more fatigued. Their attacking style, while effective early, drained energy faster than the Koreans’ counter-punching approach. - Closing Out Matches
At 15–15 in the decider, the Malaysians had opportunities to seize control but faltered. Converting tight moments into points remains an area for growth.
The Importance of This Match
Though it ended in defeat, the performance reinforced Pearly and Thinaah’s ability to challenge the world’s best. Unlike a one-sided loss, this was a razor-thin contest decided by marginal factors.
For Malaysian fans, it was bittersweet: disappointment at the result, but pride in the fight their players displayed.
Comparisons with Rivals
When compared to dominant pairs like Chen Qing Chen-Jia Yi Fan (China) or Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida (Japan), Pearly and Thinaah still lack the same consistency and composure in high-pressure moments.
However, their athleticism, chemistry, and aggressive style give them tools to close the gap. With refinement and experience, they could soon join the top echelon.
Lessons Learned
- Conditioning Is Key
Long matches against defensive opponents will test endurance. Improved stamina will help sustain aggression over three games. - Strategic Variations
Mixing pace and changing angles could help prevent opponents from settling into long rallies. - Mental Resilience
Staying calm in tight deciders is a hallmark of champions. Pearly-Thinaah must embrace this challenge.
Voices from the Coaching Bench
National women’s doubles coach, Hoon Thien How, commented:
“It was a painful loss, but there were many positives. Pearly and Thinaah showed fighting spirit. What they need is to turn fighting spirit into winning spirit.”
Fan Reactions Heartbreak and Pride
Malaysian fans lit up social media with mixed emotions.
- “Heartbreaking result, but proud of their fight.”
- “So close! Need to improve stamina and patience.”
- “They’re getting closer to the top pairs. Just need that breakthrough moment.”
The overwhelming tone was one of encouragement, recognizing that setbacks are part of growth.
The Road Ahead
For Pearly and Thinaah, the China Masters is just one stop on a long journey. Upcoming tournaments—the Malaysia Open, the All England, and potentially the World Championships—offer more chances to prove themselves.
Their partnership, still evolving, is built on trust and complementary skills. If they can iron out the inconsistencies and sharpen their mental game, they remain one of Malaysia’s brightest hopes for global success.
Broader Implications for Malaysian Badminton
Malaysia has long thrived in men’s singles and doubles, but women’s doubles success has been scarce. Pearly and Thinaah represent a new wave, carrying the hopes of inspiring future generations of female shuttlers.
Their fight against the Koreans, despite ending in defeat, showed that Malaysian women’s doubles can compete toe-to-toe with the traditional powerhouses. That in itself is progress.
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