Can red-hot Pearly-Thinaah finally break Shida-Matsuyama curse?
The world No. 3, arguably enjoying the finest form of their career, have booked a place in the Japan Open semi-finals for the very first time.
On paper, it's a breakthrough. But standing in their way of reaching a second successive World Tour final, and fourth overall this season is a familiar — and frustrating — roadblock: Chiharu Shida–Nami Matsuyama.
The Japanese world No. 2 have dominated this head-to-head rivalry with a lopsided 13-1 record, winning the last seven encounters dating back to 2023.
And if history wasn't enough, Saturday's semi-final showdown at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium carries added emotional weight.
Shida-Matsuyama — winners of 12 World Tour titles — have announced they will part ways after next month's World Championships in Paris. T
This marks their final Japan Open appearance together, and they will be desperate to bow out with a home triumph.
But Pearly-Thinaah are no longer the same pair they were in the past.
They've been quietly consistent, reaching at least the quarter-finals in five consecutive tournaments.
That run includes a title-winning performance at the Thailand Open, a runner-up finish at the Indonesia Open, and a semi-final showing at the Singapore Open.
Their commanding 21-15, 21-19 win over South Korea's Jeong Na Eun–Lee Yeon Woo on Friday reflects a pair growing in confidence with each match.
This isn't just a matter of form — it's a matter of belief.
The 2022 French Open champions have shown maturity and composure in recent months, often digging deep in tight matches and adapting well tactically.
If there's ever a moment to break the Shida-Matsuyama hoodoo, this might just be it.
Tomorrow's clash won't just be a test of skills — it will be a psychological duel as well.
But should Pearly-Thinaah find the breakthrough, it could open the door to something bigger, not just in Tokyo, but in the long run as they continue to build momentum towards Paris World Championships.
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