It's only rumours, Pearly-Thinaah are working hard in training

Rosman Razak clarified the rumours of Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah leaving the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has not disrupted the pair’s preparation for the upcoming Badminton Asia Championships (BAC).

“It’s only rumours, the speculations have not disrupted their preparations for the BAC. It’s not my job to pay attention to the rumours. I’m only focused on preparing them for the next tournament and that has been going well,” said the national women’s doubles coach.

Speculations have been making its rounds that Tan-Thinaah may leave the national association to become a professional pair, and that rival sponsors could be waiting on the sidelines.

The world number five pair’s contract ended in January, and talks are ongoing between BAM and Tan-Thinaah for a possible new deal.

BAM secretary-general Kenny Goh did indicate that Tan-Thinaah have made demands for the new contract offered to them, including a pay raise.

“It is normal for anyone to ask for a pay raise when a contract ends. They are committed and have been working hard in training,” he said.

Tan-Thinaah will face South Korean pair Kim Hye-jeong-Kong Hee-yong at the BAC in Ningbo, China which begins next week.

Rosman also confirmed Tan has fully recovered from her ankle injury suffered at the All-England last month.