Malaysia’s premier women’s doubles duo Pearly Tan–M. Thinaah sent a clear warning to their rivals after confirming an early place in the semifinals of the 2025 BWF World Tour Finals, following a composed straight-games victory over Japan’s Ria Iwanaga–Kie Nakanishi on Friday.
Competing as the tournament’s top seeds, Pearly–Thinaah showcased their growing maturity and tactical sharpness, dispatching the world No. 6 Japanese pair 21-13, 21-18 in just 36 minutes at the season-ending elite event.
The Malaysian pair came out firing, dictating tempo in the opening game with aggressive net play and relentless pressure from the rear court. Their intensity forced Iwanaga–Nakanishi into repeated errors, allowing Pearly–Thinaah to cruise to a 21-13 first-game win.
The second game proved more demanding as the Japanese duo mounted a stronger challenge, but the SEA Games gold medallists held their nerve. Crisp rotation, disciplined defence and timely attacking bursts enabled Pearly–Thinaah to close out the contest 21-18, underlining their status as title contenders.
The win marked Pearly–Thinaah’s second consecutive victory in the group stage, following their opening triumph over home favourites Jia Yi Fan–Zhang Shi Xian a day earlier.
With two wins from two matches, the Malaysians have already booked their place in the semifinals, easing pressure ahead of their final group fixture and allowing them to fine-tune preparations for the knockout rounds.
Credit Photo : BERNAMA
