Pearly-Thinaah smash China pair to reach Thailand Open semis
The world No. 4 needed just 34 minutes to wrap up a commanding 21-14, 21-11 win, finally breaking their quarter-final jinx in Bangkok after two previous failed attempts.
Pearly-Thinaah will now look to reach their second final of the season, having finished runners-up at the Indonesia Masters in January.
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New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Vivian hopes for Hoo-ray from younger brother
KUALA LUMPUR: Doubles star Vivian Hoo's World Championships adventure ended in January with her retirement. Now, her family legacy is being continued by her younger brother, Hoo Pang Ron. Pang Ron will compete in the mixed doubles at the World Championships in Paris from Aug 25–31. Vivian, 35, a two-time Commonwealth Games champion, hopes her 27-year-old brother can achieve his goals. Pang Ron, who made his World Championships debut with Cheah Yee See in 2021, will partner Cheng Su Yin in his second world appearance. They are seeded 13th in Paris. Vivian played in the World Championships seven times with various partners. "I'm definitely happy to see my brother continue the legacy. But I don't compare my achievements with his because everyone has their own journey. "For me, as long as he can make his own breakthroughs and reach his personal goals, that's already a big achievement," she said. Vivian won gold medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games (New Delhi) and 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar with Woon Khe Wei, and the pair's career-high world ranking was No. 9. She also won a second Commonwealth Games gold with Chow Mei Kuan in 2018, Gold Coast, Australia. World No. 16 Pang Ron-Su Yin, however, are going through a rough patch, and Vivian hopes that they can bounce back at the World Championships. The Pang Ron-Su Yin combination, formed in October 2023 by national coach Nova Widianto, finished second at the China Masters last November, but have struggled since then. They only reached the last eight at the Indonesia Masters in January and Orleans Masters in March. The 22-year-old Su Yin has been struggling to cope with the pressure of the rigorous World Tour. "Recently they've been quite down because of their performance. I just hope they can find their form again and give it their best," said Vivian. "I think it's normal, and everyone will go through this process. I am hoping to see them overcome it and come back stronger in Paris."
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Pearly-Thinaah must show character in bid for medal at World C'ships
KUALA LUMPUR: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah must guard against overconfidence at the World Championships, despite being second seeds, as several rivals are keen to derail their medal hopes in Paris. The world No. 2 are seeded just behind world No. 1 Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning of China, but determined challengers like South Korea's Kim Hye Jeong-Kong Hee Yong and China's Jia Yi Fan-Zhang Shu Xian are poised to upset the form book and secure medals of their own. Pearly-Thinaah's head-to-head records against fifth seeds Hye Jeong-Hee Yong (3-0) and sixth seeds Yi Fan–Shu Xian (4-1) don't favour the Malaysians, who face the risk of an early exit at the quarter-final stage. Former national shuttler Datuk James Selvaraj urged the pair to show character and confidence to avoid becoming early casualties in Paris. "It's good to see Pearly-Thinaah seeded second, but they must battle hard for a podium finish because the draw will be tough," said James. "The Korean and Chinese pairs have better track records, but Pearly-Thinaah must be prepared to overcome the odds, especially in a possible last-eight clash. "They have the quality to beat the top pairs, but must avoid conceding big leads, which make comebacks difficult, and reduce unforced errors. "Avoiding the top seeds Sheng Shu-Tan Ning until the final is already a bonus that increases their medal chances. "Pearly-Thinaah have played at the Adidas Arena during the Paris Olympics, which should boost their confidence for a podium finish." Other top-eight pairs include Japan's third seeds Chiharu Shida-Nami Matsuyama, South Korea's fourth seeds Baek Ha Na-Lee So Hee, China's seventh seeds Li Yi Jing-Luo Xu Min, and Japan's eighth seeds Yuki Fukushima-Mayu Matsutomo. At the Paris Olympics, Pearly-Thinaah lost the bronze-medal playoff to Shida-Matsuyama, but their current form suggests they have a strong chance to return from the Adidas Arena with a medal this time.
The Sun
05-08-2025
- The Sun
Kai Wun targets third title to boost World Tour Finals bid
TEE KAI WUN is determined to secure a third title with doubles partner Man Wei Chong to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals. The pair, currently ranked seventh globally, have already claimed victories at the Indonesia Masters and Malaysia Masters this season. Kai Wun emphasised the importance of maintaining focus ahead of their next challenge—the World Championships in Paris from August 25 to 31. 'We'll definitely fight for the World Championships because everyone wants to play in such a big tournament. But it's not just about that; this year, we're targeting a spot in the World Tour Finals, so every tournament matters,' he said after a training session. Despite their high ranking, Kai Wun acknowledged the tough competition ahead. 'Being in the top eight means we could face a top-four seed as early as the quarter-finals. Anyone in the top 10 can win, but our goal is to bring back a medal,' he added. - Bernama
