Latest news with #Shida-Matsuyama
New Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Pearly-Thinaah seek revenge in Japan Open final after breaking jinx
KUALA LUMPUR: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah are gunning for the Japan Open title after finally ending their long-standing hoodoo against home favourites Chiharu Shida-Nami Matsuyama in the semi-finals on Saturday. The world No. 3 had only beaten the Japanese pair once in 14 previous meetings — but tore up the script with a dominant 21-13, 21-11 win in just 36 minutes to book their spot in the final. Revealing the key to their breakthrough, Pearly said: "We were patient and didn't rush to score points. Our communication and trust throughout the match were the difference." Now, the Malaysians have a shot at revenge when they face China's world No. 1 Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning in the final — the same pair who beat them in last month's Indonesia Open final. Victory on Sunday would make Pearly-Thinaah the first Malaysian women's doubles pair to lift the Japan Open title. In the other semi-final, Sheng Shu-Tan Ning cruised past compatriots Jia Yi Fan-Zhang Shu Xian 21-7, 21-16 in a one-sided affair. Until now, the best Malaysian result in the women's doubles at this Super 750 event was a runner-up finish by former world No. 1 Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui in 2008. Thinaah said their stunning win over Shida-Matsuyama has lifted their confidence. "We didn't focus too much on the score. We just fought for every point," she said. "The support and motivation we gave each other really helped. Now we'll rest, prepare, and talk things through with our coaches. We want to give our best in the final." Shida-Matsuyama were a shadow of their usual selves — perhaps distracted after announcing last week they'll split following next month's World Championships in Paris. Even so, Pearly-Thinaah's win could not have come at a better time, and they'll be eyeing a double blow on Sunday with their sights firmly set on the title.
New Straits Times
18-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Can red-hot Pearly-Thinaah finally break Shida-Matsuyama curse?
KUALA LUMPUR: They're riding a red-hot streak. But can national women's pair Pearly Tan–M. Thinaah finally use it to conquer the one opponents they've never quite figured out? The world No. 3, arguably enjoying the finest form of their career, have booked a place in the Japan Open semi-finals for the very first time. On paper, it's a breakthrough. But standing in their way of reaching a second successive World Tour final, and fourth overall this season is a familiar — and frustrating — roadblock: Chiharu Shida–Nami Matsuyama. The Japanese world No. 2 have dominated this head-to-head rivalry with a lopsided 13-1 record, winning the last seven encounters dating back to 2023. And if history wasn't enough, Saturday's semi-final showdown at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium carries added emotional weight. Shida-Matsuyama — winners of 12 World Tour titles — have announced they will part ways after next month's World Championships in Paris. T This marks their final Japan Open appearance together, and they will be desperate to bow out with a home triumph. But Pearly-Thinaah are no longer the same pair they were in the past. They've been quietly consistent, reaching at least the quarter-finals in five consecutive tournaments. That run includes a title-winning performance at the Thailand Open, a runner-up finish at the Indonesia Open, and a semi-final showing at the Singapore Open. Their commanding 21-15, 21-19 win over South Korea's Jeong Na Eun–Lee Yeon Woo on Friday reflects a pair growing in confidence with each match. This isn't just a matter of form — it's a matter of belief. The 2022 French Open champions have shown maturity and composure in recent months, often digging deep in tight matches and adapting well tactically. If there's ever a moment to break the Shida-Matsuyama hoodoo, this might just be it. Tomorrow's clash won't just be a test of skills — it will be a psychological duel as well. But should Pearly-Thinaah find the breakthrough, it could open the door to something bigger, not just in Tokyo, but in the long run as they continue to build momentum towards Paris World Championships.
