Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah have been handed a timely opportunity to make a deep run at the China Masters in Shenzhen after a series of withdrawals reshaped the women’s doubles draw.
The world No. 5 Malaysians were originally scheduled to face China’s Luo Yi-Wang Tingge in the opening round. However, the withdrawals of several leading pairs, including world No. 1 Tan Ning-Liu Shengshu, Japan’s Yuki Fukushima-Mayu Matsumoto, South Korea’s Lee So-hee-Baek Ha-na and Bulgaria’s Stefani-Gabriela Stoeva, triggered the seed withdrawal movement.
As a result, Pearly-Thinaah received a first-round bye and will begin their campaign against Thailand’s Benyapa Aimsaard-Nuntakarn Aimsaard in the second round on Thursday (Sept 3).
The favourable draw comes at an important time for the Malaysians, who are looking to regain their rhythm after a disappointing World Championships campaign.
Former national player Woon Khe Wei believes the China Masters could provide the pair with the confidence boost they need, particularly as Pearly is still working her way back to her best following an injury layoff.
“It would definitely be good for them if they can get a good result at the China Masters,” Khe Wei said.
She also felt Pearly’s recent return from injury may have affected her confidence and caused her to play more cautiously at the World Championships, where the Malaysians exited in the third round.
Khe Wei, who experienced serious injuries during her own playing career, stressed that Pearly should not rush her comeback.
“It’s not easy to get back to your best. It takes time and Pearly doesn’t need to rush,” she said.
She suggested that Pearly-Thinaah revisit some of their strongest performances and try to reproduce the same style and confidence as they look to rebuild their form.
The Malaysians' most recent podium finish came at the Taiwan Open last month, where they finished runners-up after losing to Japan’s Sumire Nakade-Miyu Takahashi in the final.
With the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games now less than three weeks away, a strong showing in Shenzhen could give Pearly-Thinaah valuable momentum heading into another major assignment.
Malaysia will also have young pair Low Zi Yu-Noraqilah Maisarah in action at the China Masters. The Asian Games debutants also received a first-round bye and face a much tougher second-round test against defending champions Jia Yifan-Zhang Shuxian.
For Pearly-Thinaah, however, the immediate priority is clear. They have been given a favourable route, and the China Masters presents an ideal chance to rediscover their confidence before the Asian Games.
