Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah saw their hopes of winning back-to-back titles dashed after a grueling semi-final defeat at the Malaysia Masters 2025, falling short against China’s formidable duo Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian.
Despite coming into the match with strong momentum following their Thailand Open triumph last week, the world No. 4 Malaysians were outlasted in a high-octane three-game battle at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, losing 21-16, 15-21, 21-14 in a physically demanding 74-minute showdown.
Facing Olympic champion Jia Yi Fan, now partnered with rising star Zhang Shu Xian (ranked No. 15), Pearly-Thinaah fought valiantly and showed flashes of brilliance, especially in the second game where they mounted an impressive comeback. However, the Chinese pair raised their level in the deciding set, capitalizing on errors and fatigue to seal the win.
It marked the second consecutive year the Malaysian duo exited in the semi-finals of their home tournament — a result that will sting, but also underline the consistency they’ve maintained at the elite level.
With the Paris Olympics 2024 now behind and their ranking at an all-time high, speculation is mounting over Pearly-Thinaah’s next career move. Sources close to the pair suggest they may soon decide whether to turn professional or remain under the umbrella of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) — a move that could significantly shape the next phase of their careers.
Credit Photo : BAM
