KUALA LUMPUR – It has not been smooth sailing for national women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah so far this year, but they remain positive and hope things will go their way at the Malaysia Masters, which starts today.
Having failed to make the finals in recent tournaments, the world number 10 duo are keen to change their mindset going into the Super 500 tournament today.
“We have not been enjoying ourselves in the past few tournaments and we have been under a lot of pressure.
“We know the Olympic qualification starts here but we also want to focus on enjoying our game while supporting each other,” said Thinaah at the Axiata Arena during the test-court session yesterday.
Meanwhile, Pearly said she is glad at being back to normal fitness, and that she has recovered from illnesses that had kept her off the court.
In April, Pearly was struggling with burnout after being fielded in three back-to-back tournaments in the European Tour.
Pearly also skipped the Badminton Asia Championships in Dubai last month due to illness, but recovered in time for the Sudirman Cup in China, from which she returned yesterday.
“There will always be ups and downs, but everything happens for a reason. I am happy to have overcome it all with my partner, coaches, and teammates.
“For now, I am just enjoying what I have and cherishing the moment I am in. I may not be back to how I was last year, but I am doing the best I can,” said Pearly.
In the first round of the Malaysia Masters, the Malaysians will face Bulgarian sisters Gabriela Stoeva-Stefani Stoeva.
The two sides meet once again at the Axiata Arena as their last match came during the Malaysia Open in January. The Stoeva sisters sent the Malaysians packing in the opening round in front of their home supporters. – The Vibes, May 23, 2023
