Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan–M Thinaah continued their exceptional 2025 season by storming into the semi-finals of the Kumamoto Masters in Japan today — marking their 11th semi-final appearance of the year, an extraordinary testament to their consistency and world-class form.
Currently ranked World No. 2 and sitting comfortably at the top of the qualification list for next month’s BWF World Tour Finals, the Malaysian duo delivered a commanding performance to defeat Taiwan’s World No. 16 pair Hsu Yin-Hui–Lin Jhih-Yun 21–13, 21–17 in just 30 minutes.
It was another polished and dominant display, and one that further extends their perfect head-to-head record against the Taiwanese tandem — two wins from two meetings
Pearly and Thinaah showcased their signature high-tempo style from the very first rally.
Their aggressive front-court control and smooth transitions in defence allowed them to dictate the pace throughout the match. The first game was a breeze, while the second saw the Malaysians expertly neutralize late resistance from their opponents.
With the World Tour Finals just weeks away, the pair’s sharp form in Kumamoto reinforces their status as leading contenders for the tour’s most lucrative season-ending event.
The World Championships runners-up will next face with Japan’s Yuki Fukushima–Mayu Matsumoto — seasoned players with Olympic pedigree.
With their 11th semi-final now confirmed, Pearly and Thinaah are enjoying one of their best seasons as a pair. Their relentless work ethic, chemistry, and tactical maturity have made them one of the most feared women’s doubles partnerships in world badminton.
They remain on track not just for another finals berth in Japan — but also for a deep run at the 2025 World Tour Finals, where they seek to establish themselves as the undisputed queens of the women’s doubles circuit.
In addition, Malaysia’s top professional men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin Rumsani kept their hopes of qualifying for next month’s BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou burning brightly after booking their place in the semi-finals of the Kumamoto Masters in Japan today.
Currently ranked World No. 4, Sze Fei–Izzuddin delivered a determined performance to defeat Taiwan’s Lee Jhe Huei–Yang Po Hsuan, clinching the quarter-final victory 21–16, 10–21, 21–16
Tomorrow, the Malaysian pair will face Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa–Kyohei Yamashita for a place in the final. The Japanese duo advanced after defeating Malaysia’s Wan Arif Wan Junaidi–Yap Roy King 21–19, 21–14, denying fans a potential all-Malaysian semi-final clash.
This victory comes at a pivotal time—the pair must win the title in Japan to keep their World Tour Finals hopes alive, where a massive US$3 million (RM12.4 million) prize pool awaits.
In women’s singles, rising Malaysian talent Wong Ling Ching saw her impressive run halted in the quarter-finals. She fell to Thailand’s former world champion Ratchanok Intanon, losing 17–21, 9–21 to the third seed.
World No. 63 Ling Ching had turned heads earlier by defeating World No. 15 and fifth seed Michelle Li in the second round—a breakthrough result that signals strong upward momentum in her developing career.
Credit Photo : EFFENDY RASHID/NSTP
