Thinaah didn't mind working double shift to cover for injured Tan

Thinaah and partner Pearly Tan bowed out of the tournament after a 17-21, 19-21 defeat against Japan's Nami Matsuyama, but won the hearts of many for lasting the entire match despite Tan's injury.

Tan was clearly not fit for this contest, having injured her right ankle in the second round victory over Apriyani Rahayu-Siti Fadia Ramandhanti.

But she chose to soldier on and play in the quarter-finals, despite only managing to gingerly walk.

"We were actually ready to concede a walkover. But the All-England is a prestigious event and we wanted to try and play at least two or three points and see how Pearly feels. Most important was that she was not in pain. If she was, we would have stopped.

"I know I would be tired covering, but as long as she was okay we wanted to keep playing," said Thinaah.

Tan, who also turned on Friday, was emotional describing the match.

"The best birthday gift was for me to play and finish the match. I even told my family I will only play three points.

"I couldn't play my normal game, but as long as I could walk I wanted to play," said a teary Tan.