Malaysian women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah have long been celebrated for their grit, resilience, and spirited on-court chemistry. At the 2025 Korea Open Super 750, they once again showcased those qualities in a breathtaking quarterfinal clash against one of Korea’s top pairs. Despite their immense efforts, the Malaysians bowed out after a marathon encounter that stretched their physical and mental limits.
The final scoreline—21–18, 17–21, 19–21—barely conveys the drama of the contest. It was a match filled with long rallies, momentum swings, and breathtaking defensive stands. While the defeat stung, the performance underlined why Pearly-Thinaah remain Malaysia’s flag-bearers in women’s doubles and a duo capable of standing toe-to-toe with the best in the world.
The Build-Up A Clash of Styles
Heading into the quarterfinal, anticipation was high. Pearly Tan-Thinaah, seeded seventh, were up against the Korean second seeds—renowned for their patient rallying style, watertight defense, and ability to counterattack at just the right moments.
The Malaysians, by contrast, are known for:
- Pearly’s explosive front-court interceptions.
- Thinaah’s powerful back-court smashes.
- Dynamic transitions between attack and defense.
The match promised a clash of styles: Malaysia’s speed and aggression versus Korea’s patience and precision.
First Game Malaysia Strike First
The opening game saw Pearly and M. Thinaah assert themselves quickly. They forced the Koreans into defensive positions with sharp angles and smashes down the middle. Pearly, ever agile at the net, cut off drives early, creating attacking opportunities.
- By the mid-game interval, Malaysia led 11–7.
- Korea mounted a mini comeback, closing the gap to 15–16.
- A crucial 40-shot rally at 18–17 went Malaysia’s way, breaking Korean momentum.
The Malaysians closed out the first game 21–18, pumping their fists and drawing cheers from traveling supporters.
Second Game Koreans Regain Control
As expected, the Koreans adjusted their strategy. Instead of engaging in flat exchanges, they slowed down the pace, lifting more shuttles and forcing Pearly-Thinaah into longer rallies.
- The Malaysians’ aggressive play began to backfire, leading to unforced errors.
- Korea’s defense frustrated Thinaah’s attacking attempts.
- At 13–13, the Koreans surged ahead with five consecutive points through clever placements.
Despite Malaysia’s late push, the Koreans held firm to take the second game 21–17, setting up a dramatic decider.
Decider A Marathon of Endurance
The third game was nothing short of epic. Both pairs traded blows with neither giving an inch.
- Malaysia led 11–9 at the interval, showing renewed composure.
- Korea fought back to 16–15, capitalizing on Malaysian nerves during longer rallies.
- At 19–19, tension reached its peak.
The final two points epitomized the match. A 52-shot rally ended with Thinaah sending a smash just wide. On match point, the Koreans produced an impenetrable defense before sealing victory with a drop shot that caught Pearly off guard.
Final score: 21–18, 17–21, 19–21.
Post-Match Reactions
- Pearly Tan:
“It’s painful to lose after coming so close, but we gave everything. Matches like these remind us how small the margins are at this level.” - M. Thinaah:
“We’re disappointed, of course, but also proud. We fought point by point, and the energy from the crowd kept us going. Next time, we’ll come back stronger.” - Coach Hoon Thien How praised their fighting spirit:
“This was a match of details. The Koreans were slightly more consistent at the end. Still, Pearly and Thinaah showed they can challenge any top pair.”
What the Match Revealed
- Stamina as a Decisive Factor
The long rallies tested endurance. While the Malaysians matched their opponents for most of the decider, fatigue crept in during the closing points. - Composure Under Pressure
The Koreans’ ability to stay calm at 19–19 proved decisive. Pearly-Thinaah’s slightly rushed play cost them crucial points. - Encouraging Progress
Pushing one of the world’s top pairs to the brink reflects significant improvement in Malaysia’s women’s doubles program.
The Broader Context Pearly-Thinaah’s Journey
Since pairing up in 2019, Pearly and Thinaah have carved a reputation as fighters.
- Breakthrough: Their historic win at the Swiss Open 2021 marked Malaysia’s first women’s doubles title at a World Tour Super 300 event.
- Commonwealth Games 2022: They struck gold in Birmingham, cementing their status as national heroes.
- Challenges: Injuries, particularly Pearly’s knee issues, have periodically derailed momentum.
Yet, time and again, they’ve bounced back, proving their resilience and hunger to compete with the world’s best.
Fans’ Reaction Pride Despite Defeat
On social media, Malaysian fans rallied behind their duo.
- “Heads up, girls. You fought like warriors.”
- “So proud of the fighting spirit—Malaysia is with you.”
- “Matches like these make us believe in Paris 2028.”
Hashtags like #PearlyThinaah and #MalaysiaBoleh trended on Malaysian Twitter.
Lessons for the Road Ahead
- Improve Endurance
Matches against defensive pairs often stretch long. Building stamina will be crucial for future contests. - Patience in Rallying
Instead of forcing attacks, waiting for the right opportunity could reduce unforced errors. - Mental Edge
Staying calm in closing moments is key to converting tight games into victories.
Implications for Rankings and Future Tournaments
Although the loss means an exit at the quarterfinal stage, Pearly-Thinaah will still gain valuable ranking points. More importantly, the match serves as a confidence booster heading into upcoming tournaments like the All England Open and the Asian Championships.
The road to the Paris 2028 Olympics remains the long-term target. Consistency at Super 750 and Super 1000 events will be crucial to securing a high seeding.
Comparing with Rivals Where They Stand
Women’s doubles is currently dominated by Asian powerhouses—China, Korea, and Japan. Pearly-Thinaah are steadily closing the gap:
- Against Chinese pairs, their speed often gives them an edge.
- Against Japanese duos, known for discipline, they need greater patience.
- Against Korean opponents, stamina and composure remain the difference.
This quarterfinal showed Malaysia is no longer far behind.
Inspiration Beyond Badminton
Their journey resonates beyond sport. Pearly and Thinaah embody perseverance, friendship, and the power of teamwork. Their partnership has inspired young girls in Malaysia to pursue badminton, while their fighting spirit has united fans across backgrounds.
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