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The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Double delight for Rosman as Pei Kee-Mei Xing shine
Giantkillers: Go Pei Kee (right) and Teoh Mei Xing stunned sixth seeds Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakanishi of Japan in the second round of the China Open. PETALING JAYA: National women's doubles coach Rosman Razak had every reason to smile at the China Open as two pairs – Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and Go Pei Kee-Teoh Mei Xing – advanced to the quarter-finals in sheer style. His young pair Pei Kee-Mei Xing turned up as a surprise package when they stunned sixth seeds Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakanishi of Japan 26-24, 7-21, 21-18 in a gruelling 63-minute second round match yesterday. Pei Kee-Mei Xing, who had previously come under fire for their inconsistent performances and a noticeable gulf in quality compared to Pearly-Thinaah, rose to the occasion with a spirited display against the Japanese pair. However, a sterner test awaits them next as they take on home favourites Jia Yifan-Zhang Shuxian. Pearly-Thinaah, who defeated Japan's Rui Hirokami-Sayaka Hobara 21-17, 21-13 yesterday, are set to climb one rung to No. 2 in the world rankings next week following their consistent showing. They are set to surpass Japan's Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida following the latter's early exit from the ongoing China Open. Today, Pearly-Thinaah will face either Indonesia's Febriana Kusuma-Amallia Pratiwi or Japan's Yuki Fukushima-Mayu Matsumoto. Said Pearly: 'I think it wasn't the most comfortable match, and our opponents were strong as well. But we're glad we managed to keep each other calm and take control of some of the crucial shots,' said Pearly. 'We're hoping to stay on track and keep our confidence up. 'Physically, there's definitely some fatigue, but the most important thing is supporting each other throughout the match. If we can do that, anything is possible,' added Thinaah.
The Star
06-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Pearly-Thinaah have chance to make Indonesia their ‘home'
Superior show: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah knocked out Singapore Open runners-up Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakanishi 21-6, 21-18 in 37 minutes. PETALING JAYA: National women's doubles shuttlers Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah have a chance to make Indonesia one of their favourite hunting grounds when they face off China's Li Yijing-Luo Xumin in the semi-finals at Istora Senayan. The world No. 4 Pearly-Thinaah made it to the last four in Jakarta yesterday after knocking out Singapore Open runners-up Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakanishi 21-6, 21-18 in 37 minutes. The Malaysians have a chance to reach their second final this year at the same venue if they can beat the Chinese pair for the first time. They had lost to the world No. 6 pair at the China Open last year. Ironically, it was the Chinese pair's only title to date. Pearly-Thinaah also reached the final of the Indonesian Masters this year but were beaten by Kim Hye-jeong-Kong Hee-yong of South Korea. Thinaah did not want to think too far but prefer to focus on their recovery before the semis clash. 'We will discuss about our plans against the Chinese pair, have a good rest and eat well before the match,' said Thinaah. She, however, is happy that their strategy worked to the tee against the Japanese pair yesterday. 'The Japanese pair were in good form coming here after reaching the Singapore Open final but we were more focused on our strategy against them. It worked.' Pearly attributed their calm approach for their quite consistent form in the last four weeks. They had won the Thailand Open, reached the Malaysian Masters semi-finals before losing in the last eight of Singapore Open last week. 'We are quite happy with our form and hope to keep the momentum going. In the past weeks, we have learnt to be calm and I think, that's the key,' added Pearly.
