KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah could not deliver a win for fans in their opening match at the Malaysia Open today.
Tournament eighth-seeds Liu Shengshu-Tan Ning of China showed them the exit in straight sets 22-20, 21-15 in 58 minutes at the Axiata Arena.
Despite holding a 2-0 record against their opponents going into the match, the world number 12 pair could not cope with the pressure their opponents put on them.
“They were more prepared strategy-wise, and they put us under tremendous pressure. That is why they beat us today.
“Their speed of play and power have increased compared to the last time we played them,” said Pearly.
In contrast, independent mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai delivered joy for the local fans after defeating English pair Gregory Mairs-Jenny Mairs.
However, they were made to sweat a bit after losing the second set and trailing 15-13 in the deciding game.
The world number 15 pair ended up tying the third set 16-16 and did not look back to win 21-16, 15-21, 21-17.
Soon Huat said the key to victory was encouraging each other and having belief in themselves.
“In the second set, our opponents were leading all the way and we made a lot of mistakes.
“That dented our confidence, so in the third set we encouraged and gave support to each other and that worked for our confidence,” said Soon Huat after the match.
Shevon added that when they got their confidence back, they were able to control the game.
“Even though we were trailing, we kept believing in ourselves and encouraged each other.
“When we regained our confidence we were able to control the game well, especially in the third set.
“Our opponents looked like they were getting more confident playing against us and we had to respond by being braver and getting on the attack more to wrestle control of the match back,” she said.
Earlier, men’s doubles pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun lost to world number one pair Liang Weikeng-Wang Chang, 21-12, 21-19, in just 30 minutes.
Independent mixed doubles pair Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing could not start the day on a positive note for the country after losing 21-11, 21-16 to Kim Won-ho and Jeong Na-eun in just 38 minutes. – January 9, 2024