No cakewalk for Pearly-Thinaah despite Matsuyama-Shida parting ways
National women's doubles coach Rosman Razak warned that despite Matsuyama-Shida being a long-time nemeses — Pearly-Thinaah have lost 13 of 14 meetings against them — the Malaysians face a broader threat on the world stage.
Their sole victory over the Japanese pair came in the 2022 French Open quarter-finals, a run that saw them clinch their maiden Super 750 crown, still their biggest success on the World Tour.
"We can't just focus on one pair in women's doubles," said Rosman.
"Every top pair has been tough for Pearly-Thinaah. Right now, they're an open book, and rivals are constantly trying to exploit that.
"Even if Matsuyama-Shida part ways, it doesn't automatically help us. Our priority must be improving ourselves."
Rosman also pointed to the lack of depth in the women's doubles department as a limiting factor.
"We only have one world-class pair. Other countries can shuffle players and test new combinations. We don't have that luxury. All attention is on Pearly-Thinaah, and they must be ready for any challenge."
He also dismissed the notion that the retirement of Olympic champion Chen Qing Chen after the Paris Games last year had open doors for Pearly-Thinaah.
Qing Chen won the Olympic gold medal with Jia Yi Fan last year.
"China are still strong. They've got world No. 1 Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning and world No. 5 Li Yi Jing-Luo Xu Min," said Rosman.
"Even Yi Fan has made it back to world No. 9 with Zhang Shu Xian, and they've already beaten Pearly-Thinaah in three of four meetings."
Rosman stressed that Japan will likely unearth new top pairs once Matsuyama-Shida go their separate ways.
"We can't take anything for granted. I want Pearly-Thinaah to be prepared to beat anyone — Matsuyama-Shida or others — in the Japan Open and beyond.
The focus must stay on our own progress."
Pearly-Thinaah, who recently signed a new four-year contract with the BA of Malaysia (BAM), are expected to meet Matsuyama-Shida in the semi-finals of the Japan Open next week.
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