Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, saw their bid for the Japan Open crown come to an end after a straight-sets defeat to China’s world No. 1 duo, Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Sunday (July 20).
The world No. 3 Malaysians struggled to break the Chinese pair’s rhythm, eventually falling 15-21, 14-21 in a high-paced final. This marks Pearly and Thinaah’s second loss to Shengshu and Tan Ning in a title match this season, having also finished as runners-up to them at the Indonesian Open in Jakarta last month.
Despite falling short in the final, the tournament was yet another testament to the Malaysians’ consistency and rising stature on the international stage. The pair have now reached four finals in 2025—clinching the Thailand Open title in May and securing runner-up finishes at the Indonesian Masters, Indonesian Open, and now the Japan Open.
With momentum still strong, Pearly and Thinaah will now set their sights on the China Open, which begins Tuesday in Changzhou, as they continue their pursuit of another major title.
Credit Photo : BERNAMA
