In an electrifying match at the Paris Olympics 2024, Malaysia’s top women’s badminton pair, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, pulled off a remarkable upset against Japan’s two-time world champions, Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara. This victory keeps their quarterfinal hopes alive in the highly competitive Group A.
The match, held at the Porte De La Chapelle Arena saw the world No. 13 Malaysians deliver a spirited performance. Despite losing the first game 18-21, Pearly-Thinaah bounced back with aggression and determination, taking the next two games 21-15 and 21-16. Their victory was fueled by the overwhelming backing of an 8,000-person audience eager to see the duo’s powerful strikes and smart play.
After their opening loss to the world No. 1 Chinese pair, Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan, this victory was crucial for Pearly-Thinaah. The Malaysian duo understood that a further defeat would end their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. With their last group match against Indonesia’s Apriyani Rahayu and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti approaching, the stakes remain high.
Reflecting on the match, Thinaah expressed happiness with their performance but acknowledged areas for improvement. She emphasized the importance of focus and giving their all in the upcoming match. Pearly highlighted their need for patience, a strategy reinforced by their coaches, Rexy Mainaky and Hoon Thien How. The duo plans to stay focused and enjoy the game as they aim for the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian pair, Apriyani-Siti, faced their second consecutive defeat, effectively ending their campaign at the group stage. Their loss to the Chinese pair confirmed Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan’s advancement to the quarterfinals.
As Pearly-Thinaah look forward to their next challenge, their resilience and teamwork continue to inspire, showcasing the spirit of Malaysian sportsmanship on the world stage.
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