National women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah displayed commendable determination en route to the final of the Japan Open 2025, before going down to world No. 1 Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning of China.

Despite the 15-21 14-21 loss in Sunday’s title showdown at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, the Malaysian pair can take plenty of encouragement from their performances throughout the week that include a memorable win over long-time rivals, Japan's Chiharu Shida-Nami Matsuyama.

Meanwhile, men’s doubles duo and Japan Open 2024 champions Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani were defeated by Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae 16-21 17-21. 

Sze Fei-Izzuddin's charge to become the first Malaysian pair to win two Japan Open titles was halted by the fast-rising duo from South Korea.