Pearly-Thinaah too predictable, must change strategy, says ex-shuttler
KUALA LUMPUR: Women's doubles Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah have become too predictable and must make drastic changes to their strategy and gameplay if they want to remain competitive on the World Tour, warns former international Datuk James Selvaraj.
James said the rise of new combinations from China, South Korea, Japan and Indonesia could make life increasingly difficult for the world No. 4, especially at top-tier events like the Super 750 and Super 1000 tournaments, as well as the Olympics, World Championships and Asian Games.
He also urged caution following their Thailand Open triumph two weeks ago, noting that only Indonesia's world No. 9 Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma-Amalia Cahaya Pratiwi, apart from Pearly-Thinaah, featured from the world's top 10 in that Super 500 event.
"Pearly-Thinaah have started losing to a number of new pairs recently. They're also struggling to beat the world's top-three pairs," said James.
"They've become too predictable and need to rethink their game. Their coach Rosman Razak may have to revamp their training, introduce new tactics and push for better shot quality and variation if they want to compete with the elite."
"They're focused on reducing unforced errors, which is good, but without improving the sharpness of their game and shaking things up tactically, they're going to continue to struggle."
Pearly-Thinaah have a poor record against the current top pairs: Tey trail 7-3 against China's world No. 1 Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning and 13-1 against Japan's world No. 2 Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida.
They have also lost all three of their matches to South Korea's world No. 10 Hwang Ye Jeong-Kong Hee Yong, while the emerging Chinese pair Jia Yi Fan-Zhang Shu Xian, ranked No. 11, have already beaten them three times in four encounters, including in the quarter-finals of the Singapore Open on Friday.
James also advised the pair to remain with the BA of Malaysia (BAM) instead of going independent.
"I believe they can still improve under BAM. I don't think Rosman is willing to leave the national set-up to coach them independently," he said.
"BAM should provide them with the flexibility and support they need to make the necessary changes. I doubt they'll get the same level of resources and structure if they strike out on their own."
The pair are reportedly seeking a better deal in their new contract.
BAM, however, claim they have already offered an attractive package.
The contract wrangle is expected to be settled after the Super 1000 Indonesia Open, which begins on Tuesday.
Sheng Shu-Tan Ning and Matsuyama-Shida are both returning to action in Jakarta and will be among the top threats as Pearly-Thinaah play their fourth tournament in as many weeks.
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