In a thrilling quarter-final match at the Indonesian Open 2025, Malaysian women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat China’s highly-ranked duo, Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan. The three-set clash, which ended with a scoreline of 17-21, 24-22, 21-15, lasted over 90 minutes and showcased Pearly and Thinaah’s determination, resilience, and ability to adapt under pressure.
After the match, Pearly and Thinaah revealed that a significant shift in their mindset played a pivotal role in turning the tide. “We realized that we needed to enjoy the game rather than focus on the outcome,” Pearly explained. Thinaah added, “Once we changed our approach, we felt lighter and played more freely, which made all the difference.”
This victory not only earned the Malaysians a spot in the semi-finals but also demonstrated the power of mental toughness in overcoming formidable opponents.
The Match A Rollercoaster of Emotions
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A Rocky Start
The match began with Chen and Jia, the reigning world champions, dictating the pace. The Chinese pair’s quick reflexes and precise smashes left little room for Pearly and Thinaah to establish their rhythm. Despite their efforts to counterattack, the Malaysians fell behind, losing the first set 17-21.
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The Turning Point
The second set was a game of inches, with both pairs pushing each other to the limit. At one point, Chen and Jia held a match point at 22-21. However, a crucial timeout by the Malaysian coach helped Pearly and Thinaah refocus. They saved the match point with a perfectly executed defensive rally and went on to clinch the set 24-22, swinging the momentum in their favor.
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Dominance Unleashed
Buoyed by their second-set heroics, Pearly and Thinaah entered the deciding set with newfound confidence. Their aggressive net play and sharp smashes disrupted the Chinese duo’s rhythm, allowing the Malaysians to build a commanding lead. With the crowd cheering them on, Pearly and Thinaah sealed the set 21-15, completing an extraordinary comeback.
The Mindset Shift Key to Victory
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From Pressure to Playfulness
Pearly and Thinaah admitted that their initial mindset of playing “not to lose” contributed to their slow start. “In the first set, we were too tense and overthinking every point,” Thinaah shared. During the break between sets, their coach emphasized the importance of enjoying the game and focusing on their strengths rather than worrying about their opponents’ reputation.
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Trusting Their Partnership
Another crucial element of their mindset shift was mutual trust. Pearly highlighted, “We reminded each other that we’ve trained hard and know how to back each other up. That trust allowed us to stay calm even during the toughest rallies.”
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Turning Adversity Into Opportunity
The Malaysians’ ability to view challenges as opportunities rather than threats played a significant role in their victory. “Instead of fearing the match point in the second set, we saw it as a chance to prove our resilience,” said Pearly.
Why This Win Matters
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Breaking Psychological Barriers
Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan have been a consistent nemesis for Pearly and Thinaah, with the Chinese pair holding a dominant head-to-head record. This victory not only breaks that pattern but also gives the Malaysians a psychological edge in future encounters.
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Building Momentum
With this win, Pearly and Thinaah are now seen as serious contenders for the Indonesian Open title. The confidence gained from overcoming the world champions could propel them to greater heights in upcoming matches.
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Inspiring the Next Generation
As Malaysian badminton continues to grow, Pearly and Thinaah’s performance serves as an inspiration for young players aspiring to compete on the world stage. Their story highlights the importance of mental toughness, adaptability, and teamwork in achieving success.
Fan and Expert Reactions
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An Electrifying Crowd
The Istora Senayan crowd played a crucial role in Pearly and Thinaah’s comeback. Fans waved Malaysian flags and chanted encouragement, creating an electric atmosphere that spurred the pair to fight harder. “The support from the crowd was incredible. It felt like we were playing at home,” Thinaah said.
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Praise from Legends
Badminton legends and analysts were quick to laud Pearly and Thinaah’s performance. Former world champion Wong Pei Tty remarked, “This match showcased their growth as players. They’ve learned how to handle pressure and turn it into a weapon.”
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Social Media Buzz
The victory also sparked excitement on social media, with #PearlyThinaah and #IndonesianOpen trending worldwide. Fans flooded platforms with messages of congratulations, calling the win one of the best comebacks in recent memory.
Lessons Learned
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The Power of a Positive Mindset
Pearly and Thinaah’s ability to shift their focus from fear of failure to enjoying the moment was the catalyst for their comeback. This highlights the impact of mental conditioning in sports.
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Adaptability Under Pressure
The duo’s willingness to change their strategy mid-match—switching to aggressive net play and exploiting their opponents’ weaknesses—was a testament to their tactical maturity.
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Importance of Support Systems
The guidance from their coach and the energy of the crowd provided the external support needed to complement their internal resilience.
Challenges Ahead
While this victory is monumental, Pearly and Thinaah must remain focused as they prepare for the semi-finals. Their next opponents, the formidable Japanese pair of Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara, are known for their defensive solidity and strategic gameplay.
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Keys to Success Against Matsumoto-Nagahara
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- Consistency: Limiting unforced errors will be crucial.
- Aggressive Start: Establishing an early lead can put pressure on the Japanese duo.
- Strong Communication: Maintaining clear and effective communication during rallies will be essential.
The Road to Paris 2028
Pearly and Thinaah’s victory is also significant in the context of their long-term goal: qualifying for the Paris 2028 Olympics. Consistent performances in high-profile tournaments like the Indonesian Open will boost their world ranking and solidify their place among the top contenders.
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