Malaysia suffered another major blow after national women’s doubles shuttlers Pearly Tan-M Thinaah crashed out in the second round of the Denmark Open following a heavy defeat to Japan’s Arisa Igarashi-Chiharu Shida.
The world No 2 Malaysians, meeting the newly formed Japanese duo for the first time, fell 8-21, 9-21 in just 35 minutes at Arena Fyn in Odense, Denmark.
The Malaysians looked sluggish and committed numerous unforced errors as the Japanese pair piled on the pressure.
It was also a disappointing performance from Pearly-Thinaah, who are also in Malaysia’s RM20 million Road to Gold project.
They won the Arctic Open on Sunday and were runners-up at the World Championships in August.
Despite today’s loss, Pearly-Thinaah have reached six finals this season, securing two titles.
Earlier, seven other Malaysian representatives, including top men’s doubles pairs Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, were also sent packing in the opening round.
