KUALA LUMPUR: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah may have been denied a historic world crown, but Malaysians hailed the women’s doubles stars as heroes after their gallant silver medal finish at the World Championships in Paris on Sunday.
The world No. 2 fought fearlessly against China‘s top-ranked Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning before bowing 14-21, 22-20, 17-21 in a pulsating 83-minute final at the Adidas Arena.
Their runner-up finish marked Malaysia’s best-ever achievement in women’s doubles at the World Championships, surpassing all previous efforts and cementing their place as trailblazers in the discipline.
It also capped the nation’s finest-ever overall showing at the tournament after Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei captured the mixed doubles title earlier in the day.
Fans flooded social media with praise, celebrating Pearly-Thinaah’s grit, sportsmanship and trademark smiles on court.
One supporter wrote on the New Straits Times’ Facebook page:
“Beautiful game. They are our warriors. So glad they lost with pride and beauty.
“Just admire the smile and friendship between both Pearly and Thinaah. Always smiling.”
Another added: “Defeated on court, but victorious in the hearts of the spectators. A truly exciting and entertaining game.
“Congratulations Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah.”
Many fans lauded their ability to push the dominant Chinese champions to the limit.
“Luckily I have a strong heart. The girls put in a fantastic effort,” said one.
On the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s page, supporters called the silver Malaysia’s “second gift” of the tournament, after Tang Jie-Ee Wei’s triumph.
“A silver is still a win. Even though China was stronger and made faster shots, Thinaah-Pearly took them to the line. Toe to toe until the end.”
Others hailed it as one of the finest matches they had ever seen.
“The best ladies’ doubles I’ve seen — much better than the Korean and Japanese pairs.”
With Malaysia celebrating Merdeka this week, the result carried extra weight.
“Closely fought match, a gold and a silver medal for Team Malaysia — what more can you ask for during Merdeka Day?
“Team Malaysia have been phenomenal and flying high during this year’s World Championships.”
For many, Pearly-Thinaah’s effort went beyond the scoreline.
“When our athletes step onto the court, they remind us that freedom also means the power to dream and to fight — carrying our pride beyond the score.”
Though silver was the official result, the verdict from Malaysians was unanimous: Pearly-Thinaah’s fighting spirit made them champions in the hearts of their fans.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
