KUALA LUMPUR — Fresh contracts with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) appear to have injected new firepower into national women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, who stormed into the final of the Japan Open today.
In the semi-finals, the world No. 3 Malaysians stunned home favourites and world No. 2 Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida in straight games, 21-13, 21-11, to set up a title clash with world No. 1s Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning of China.
Remarkably, Pearly and Thinaah have now become the first Malaysian women’s pair to reach the Japan Open final since the tournament’s inception in 1982.
Speaking to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Thinaah said they had stayed focused on their own game plan and didn’t overthink their commanding lead, including the nine game points they held in the first game.
Pearly echoed her partner’s sentiments: “I think we were more patient today. We didn’t rush to get the points, and that helped a lot.”
Pearly and Thinaah recently ended months of speculation about their future by signing new deals with BAM, committing to the national body until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
While it was never officially announced, it is understood the duo secured a lucrative deal, reportedly worth RM1 million each, with performance bonuses possibly pushing the figure higher, especially if they deliver in Japan, the upcoming China Open, and the World Championships in Paris next month.
The pair are now just one match away from claiming their second Super 750 title, following their breakthrough win at the French Open in 2022.
“For now, we just want to rest well, prepare well, and discuss with our coaches ahead of the next match. We will give our best,” added Thinaah.
Meanwhile, in the men’s doubles, world No. 1s and defending champions Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani lived up to expectations by reaching the final as well.
The independent duo dispatched Chinese Taipei’s Liu Kuang Heng and Yang Po Han 21-19, 21-11 in the semi-finals, and will face in-form South Koreans Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae next.
The Koreans had earlier eliminated another Malaysian independent pair, Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi, 21-14, 21-15. – July 19, 2025