Malaysia’s women’s doubles pair, Pearly Tan-M Thinaah, bounced back from their disappointment at the Korean Open with a triumphant victory at the Hong Kong Open, just in time for Malaysia Day.

Ranked world No. 8, Pearly and Thinaah produced a stellar performance yesterday, overcoming China’s world No. 3, Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning, in a commanding 21-14 21-14 win at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Kowloon. 

The Malaysian duo were in superb form, taking only 38 minutes to secure the title. Their tactical brilliance was on full display as they dominated the match from start to finish, blending sharp attacking play with solid defence to dismantle the Chinese pair, who recently clinched silver at the Paris Olympics.

Despite leading 20-9 in the second game, Pearly and Thinaah allowed their opponents to close the gap with five consecutive points before sealing victory with the all-important 21st point.

Coming into the match as underdogs after losing their last four encounters with the Chinese duo, Pearly and Thinaah turned the tables this time around, continuing their strong run of form to claim their first title since the 2022 French Open.

In doing so, they made history by becoming the first Malaysian women’s doubles pair to win the Hong Kong Open title since the tournament’s inception in 1982.

Photo Credit: Badmintonphoto