Malaysian Badminton Pair Aims to Bounce Back at Taiwan Open After China Open Loss

Malaysia's top women's doubles pair, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, identified fitness as a primary factor in their quarterfinal defeat to Japan's elite duo, Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto, at the recent China Open. Despite the setback, the world No. 5 pair is determined to put the disappointment behind them and use the Super 1000 tournament as a platform to rediscover their rhythm before competing in the Taiwan Open next week.

Pearly Tan admitted she is still regaining peak condition after a lengthy injury layoff. However, she noted significant progress in her and Thinaah's game. "One thing I learned is that even in difficult situations, we can still find ways to put up a fight. We communicate well on court and know the pattern of play we want," Tan said. "We are just lacking in fitness, especially on my part. We still have another tournament next week, so we will use these few days to train to improve our weaknesses and hope to perform better."

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Although we are seeded players, that's no longer the main thing because I've been resting for a long time. All players are improving, so we see every match as a learning process and an opportunity to regain our rhythm.

Tan emphasized that the pair is not setting specific outcome goals upon their return to competition. Their priority is regaining momentum. "Although we are seeded players, that's no longer the main thing because I've been resting for a long time. All players are improving, so we see every match as a learning process and an opportunity to regain our rhythm," she explained.

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The Japanese players did a good job of putting pressure on us, especially when we were trying to catch up on points. That's what led to the big point difference at the end of the match. But overall, we are grateful to finish the match safely because health and injuries are a priority. We are not satisfied with this result, but our focus is on another tournament next week.

Thinaah added that several aspects of their game require improvement, particularly their on-court strategy and understanding. She noted that the Japanese pair effectively applied pressure during critical points, preventing them from closing the gap and ultimately leading to their loss. "The Japanese players did a good job of putting pressure on us, especially when we were trying to catch up on points. That's what led to the big point difference at the end of the match," Thinaah stated. "But overall, we are grateful to finish the match safely because health and injuries are a priority. We are not satisfied with this result, but our focus is on another tournament next week."

Despite the loss, Thinaah sees positive signs from their performance at the China Open. However, she acknowledged the need to refine their communication, court control, and overall synergy before the Taiwan Open. "I think there are indeed positive signs, but there are still many things we need to work on. We will take all the positives from this tournament and keep moving forward," she concluded.

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I think there are indeed positive signs, but there are still many things we need to work on. We will take all the positives from this tournament and keep moving forward.