Malaysia’s women’s doubles department showed both promise and progress during the Uber Cup Finals, with a blend of experienced players and rising talents contributing to a long-awaited breakthrough.
The pairing of M. Thinaah and 19-year-old Ong Xin Yee faced a challenging introduction on the world stage. With regular partner Pearly Tan sidelined due to injury, Xin Yee was thrust into a high-pressure role alongside one of the team’s most established players.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky stressed the importance of patience and composure for the young player. He noted that adapting to top-level competition takes time, especially when partnering an experienced athlete like Thinaah.
The duo struggled against stronger opponents in Group B. They were defeated by Japan’s Yuki Fukushima and Mayu Matsumoto, and also fell in a close three-game match to Turkiye’s pair. Despite the results, the matches provided valuable exposure for Xin Yee at elite level competition.
Source: The Star
In contrast, Malaysia found a major positive in the performances of Low Zi Yu and Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan. The young pair exceeded expectations with a series of strong displays, including a notable upset over Japan’s higher-ranked duo Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi.
They also played a decisive role in Malaysia’s tie against Turkiye, delivering the winning point in straight games. Their performances highlighted both resilience and confidence under pressure, marking them as a promising combination for the future.
Malaysia’s overall campaign saw the team finish as runners-up in Group B after victories over Turkiye and South Africa. The result secured a place in the quarter-finals, ending a 16-year wait for progression at the tournament.
The campaign reflects steady development within the squad, with emerging players stepping up alongside established names. While there is still room for growth, Malaysia’s performance at the Uber Cup suggests a stronger foundation for the future of its women’s doubles program.
