Malaysia’s top women’s doubles duo, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, saw their China Open 2025 title hopes dashed after falling to a clinical performance from China’s seventh-ranked pair, Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian, in the semi-finals today.
Despite entering the match as world No. 3, Pearly-Thinaah were outclassed in straight sets, losing 14-21, 17-21 in just 38 minutes. The Chinese duo, backed by a passionate home crowd, dominated from the outset and never allowed the Malaysians to settle into rhythm.
With this result, Pearly-Thinaah took home US$28,000 (approximately RM118,000) as semi-finalists at the prestigious BWF World Tour Super 1000 tournament.
The defeat marks Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian’s fourth win in five meetings against the Malaysian pair. Pearly-Thinaah’s only victory came at the India Open earlier this year, a match the Chinese had to retire from due to injury.
The Chinese pair will face either world No. 1 Liu Sheng Shu–Tan Ning or South Korea’s sixth-ranked duo Kim Hye Jeong–Kong Hee Yong in tomorrow’s final.
For Pearly and Thinaah, the wait for a second World Tour title this season continues. The duo had previously lifted the Thailand Open crown in May and reached four finals this year but have yet to add to their trophy cabinet. Just last week, they finished runners-up at the Japan Open.
Malaysia’s hopes at the China Open now rest on the men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, who are scheduled to face India’s top-ranked duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in a high-stakes semi-final clash later this evening.
Credit Photo : BERNAMA
