It was a battling performance from the Malaysians, who gave it their best effort throughout the 78-minute contest.
But the class of the Tokyo Olympics silver medalists, who also beat them in the group stage, shone at the end.
Tan-Thinaah deserved credit for recovering in fine fashion to win the second game, having lost the opener rather tamely against the world number one pair.
Pearly Tan/Thinaah Muralitharan will compete for the bronze medal after their loss in the semi-finals. They were once again defeated by the world’s No. 1 women’s doubles from China, Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yifan, with a score of 12-21, 21-18, 15-21. Focus and comeback for next game… pic.twitter.com/zjTuV9vgNj
— Olympic Malaysia ??? (@olympicmas) August 2, 2024
But a slow start in the third, coupled with Chen-Jia'a resolve to ensure a comfortable lead throughout that game earned them a deserved spot in a second consecutive Olympics women's doubles final.
This is the eighth time that Chen-Jia have now beaten Tan-Thinaah in nine meetings.
But it will not be the end for these Malaysian ladies in Paris, who will take positives from this defeat when they contest in the bronze medal match on Saturday (9pm).
The Malaysians highlight in this semis contest was winning a 108-shot rally in the third game, thanks to a sturdy defence and staying patient.
They will now rest and return with a mission to take home the bronze medal.
Credit Photo: MOM
