![[UPDATED] Another escape act from Pearly-Thinaah](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2Fpearly_thinnah_indo_open_1749293080.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
[UPDATED] Another escape act from Pearly-Thinaah
KUALA LUMPUR: Again, it was Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah's trademark that saved their day — their famed fighting spirit.
he world No. 4 Malaysian pair made a spectacular comeback in the Indonesia Open semi-final in Jakarta today, battling from a game down to beat China's world No. 6 Li Yi Jing-Luo Xu Min 12-21, 21-17, 21-11.
For that, they were rewarded with their first ever Super 1000 final in their careers.
Pearly-Thinaah will meet either China's world No. 1 Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning or South Korean world No. 3 Baek Ha Na-Lee So Hee in the title decider tomorrow.
Despite playing their fourth consecutive World Tour tournament, the Malaysian duo refused to let weariness get in the way.
The 65-minute battle was indeed a testament of the grit and maturity that Pearly-Thinaah are known for.
"Words can't describe how happy we are today. At one game down, we didn't want to give up easily," said Thinaah.
"Today, it was not just about strategy but mental and physical strength and I am really thankful that Pearly was by my side. She smashed a lot.
"We just have to be relaxed and maintain our calm, which gives us strength, in the final tomorrow."
Pearly said that there was no particular moment where the tide turned although the Chinese pair had been dominant early in the match.
"There were some trick shots and we enjoyed those points."
The energy-sapping sequence for Pearly-Thinaah began four weeks ago at the Thailand Open where they captured the Super 500 crown. This was followed by a semi-final appearance at the Malaysia Masters and the duo reached the last eight at the Singapore Open last week.
The faster and younger Yi Jing (23) and Xup Min (22) set the pace to run away with a 21-12 win in the first game but Pearly, 25, and Thinaah, 27, began their customary fightback after that and ended the contest with a flourish.
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