Malaysia’s hope to end long awaited women’s doubles title in Malaysia Masters face setback as Pearly Tan and M.Thinaah has withdrew from the tournament on Monday.
The top seed duo were among the Malaysia’s biggest hopes to reach Super 500 event at Unifi Arena, especially with strong home support behind them. But Pearly’s recurring back injury, which has affected her preparation in recent weeks.The pair had to withdraw from the tournament.
This withdraw is pain as the pair is one of Malaysian badminton fans favourite, and they have been consistent with many seasons on the World Tour. Pearly and Thinaah entered the tournament with growing confidence and were seen as a strong competitor to win the Malaysia’s women’s doubles title at Malaysia Masters, which was last won in 2012 by Wong Pei Tty and Chin Ee Hui.
The injury is an unfortunate time, especially as the pair had hoped win the title following the withdraw of several top international competitors.
Malaysia’s challenge in the women’s doubles category will now be on younger pairs Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee and Low Zi-Yu-Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan.
The tournament saw another blow with independent men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia declining late opportunity to compete in qualifying rounds. While Malaysians Cheam June Wei, Jacky Kok, and Lim Ming Hong were promoted from reserve list to qualifiers after several international withdrawals.
Source: NST
