Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah are hoping that the sun-kissed island of Bali will provide them with renewed ray of vitality and determination as they gear up to open their Indonesia Masters campaign this week.
The young duo won over Malaysians with their gutsy performances at the Sudirman Cup, which resulted in Tan suffering a shoulder strain in their encounter against Japanese pair Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida.
After deciding to skip last week’s Hylo Open to prepare for the Bali events, they said they were ready to make heads turn again.
“I’ve managed to get over the shoulder pain by working with my physio and my coach doing some light skill work. It’s definitely much better,” Tan told the Badminton World Federation of her injury.
At the Indonesia Masters, the pair begin their challenge against fellow compatriots Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien in the opening round, a contest which they are expected to ace.
Currently ranked 18th in the world, it should be only a matter of time before Tan-Thinaah become the highest ranked national women’s doubles pair and overtake Lee Meng Yean-Chow Mei Kuan (12th), after the latter’s post Tokyo Olympics retirement.
“We are just hoping to raise our ranking and target a top 15 finish this year. If it goes higher, it’s a bonus.
"We are still learning from each game. And I hope we can learn from more experienced players. Hopefully we will do well in Indonesia,” said Thinaah.
There was also the physical strain that came along from jetting halfway across the globe to Southeast Asia after being camped out in Europe for close to months due to the tournaments which began with the Sudirman Cup.
“This is the first time we’ve been away for so long. Travelling is definitely tiring. It’s hard because we still have a bit of jet lag, but it shouldn’t be a problem for us,” added Thinaah, who also celebrated the recent Deepavali festival in Germany.
A quick glance at their social media profiles showed the pair in a relaxed mood as they slipped in some pool time in between training sessions.
With good rest and some Bali rejuvenation, Malaysians could yet see the best of this pair at the Indonesia Masters.
