Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and M Thinaah came up short in their bid to win the women’s doubles title at the Indonesia Masters, falling to South Korea’s Kim Hye Jeong and Kong Hee Yong in a thrilling final yesterday. They finished as the first runners-up.
The world No. 7 pair, Pearly and Thinaah, were narrowly defeated 12-21, 21-17, 18-21 in a thrilling 74-minute match at Istora Senayan in Jakarta. The South Korean duo, ranked 29th globally, had also triumphed over Pearly and Thinaah in the semi-finals of the India Open last week.
Although they faced a challenging start in the first game, the Malaysian Olympic semi-finalists displayed remarkable resilience and determination to stage a strong comeback. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to break through the South Koreans’ solid defense and seamless coordination. Nonetheless, their performance continues to showcase their potential and grit on the international stage.
Although Pearly and Thinaah mounted a determined comeback in the second and third games, their opponents held their ground with consistent play, making fewer errors and ultimately securing the win. This victory marked the second consecutive win for Kim and Kong over the Malaysians, extending their head-to-head record to 2-0. It was reported that Pearly and Thinaah, as the runners-up, earned a prize of US$18,050 (RM79,251) for their efforts.
While Pearly Tan and M Thinaah narrowly missed out on clinching the women’s doubles title at the Indonesia Masters, their performance in the final was a testament to their resilience and skill. Despite facing a tough challenge from the South Korean duo of Kim Hye Jeong and Kong Hee Yong, the Malaysians fought valiantly, demonstrating their potential on the international stage.
Their second-place finish highlighted their strong standing in the world of badminton. Pearly and Thinaah’s determination and growth as a pair continue to inspire, and their future prospects remain bright.
Source: Malay Mail
