Pearly Tan and M.Thinaah kept Malaysia’s hopes alive at the China Open as they secure their spot in the women’s doubles quarter-finals.
The world No.4 pair won against World No.28 duo Polina Buhrova and Ysvheniia Kantemyr from Ukraine with 21-19, 21-12 in their last-16 match at the Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium in Changzhou.
With the victory, Pearly and Thinaah are now Malaysia’s only remaining representatives in the tournament.
Tough Quarter-Final Challenge Awaits
The Malaysian pair had to stay composed in the opening game before taking control in the second to secure a straight-game win.
They will next face World No.3 Japanese pair Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto in the quarter-finals.
Pearly and Thinaah holds a 5-4 head-to-head advantage over the Japanese pair. However, they have not defeated Fukushima and Matsumoto in their last three meetings.
Malaysia’s Campaign Ends in Other Events
Malaysia’s men’s doubles pair Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong lost to world the No. 1, South Korea Pair, Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae with 21-13, 21-19.
Malaysia also saw a few representatives exit in the last 16.
The players are, men’s singles player Leong Jun Hao, men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin Rumsani, as well as mixed doubles pairs Goh Soon Huat, and Shevon Lai Jemie and Chen Tang Jie, and Toh Ee Wei.
With the rest of the Malaysians exit, Pearly and Thinaah now carries Malaysia’s hope as they aim to continue their impressive game at China Open.
Sources: NST
