Pearly pays tribute to her father for world fastest smash record

Pearly Tan, who currently holds the Guiness World Record for the fastest women’s badminton smash set in 2023, paid tribute to her father for the achievement.

Tan’s smash reached 438 kilometres per hour, making its way into the acclaimed records book in Japan back in April 2023.

Her smash, which was recorded using a high-speed camera, is said to be faster than the top speed of a Formula One car which goes up to 372.6km/h.

The 25-year-old shared her recipe for the ability to produce ferocious smashes.

“I don’t have much power, but my dad always taught me to focus on speed and skill. Whenever I felt self-doubt, it was my dad who has always helped and supported me through it. He’s my biggest source of motivation, believing in me when I’ve doubted myself,” Tan told Tatler Asia.

Tan’s father Tan Seng Hoe, is a coach and owns a badminton club back in Alor Setar.

He played a pivotal role in his daughter’s early badminton journey, honing her technique, agility, power strokes and jump smashes.

His efforts have paid off handsomely as Tan is one of the few female shuttlers that has the ability to jump smash from any part of the court.

Her smashes have also proved one of the most lethal in the women’s doubles game.

Besides his daughter, Seng also coached Lee Zii Jia, who is from Alor Setar when he was young.

On court, Tan and her partner M.Thinaah have been hard at work preparing to make an impact at the upcoming All-England (March 11-16).

The world number six pair have bounced back admirably after crashing out at the Malaysia Open first round by reaching the India Open semi-finals and finishing second at the Indonesia Masters.