KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian badminton fans hailed the fighting spirit shown by women’s doubles Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah to clinch the Kumamoto Masters title in Japan on Sunday.
World No. 2 Pearly-Thinaah outplayed Japan’s world No. 7 Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakanishi 22-20, 21-19 in the final for their third title on the World Tour this year.
Netizens praised Pearly-Thinaah’s gritty performance in the BA of Malaysia’s official Facebook page.
“Our tigresses roared in the Land of the Rising Sun.
“In the first game, everything looked hopeless — Japan surged ahead 7-0, and even at the interval the Japanese pair were firmly in control at 11-5. But point by point, we clawed our way back.
“The second game began the same way, with Japan threatening to pull away again. But this time we held them back, and once our pair seized the lead, they never allowed it to slip.
“These are the hallmarks of great players: calm under pressure, composed in adversity, determined, and utterly fearless.
“We often credit men’s doubles coach Herry IP, and rightly so, but too few acknowledge the remarkable work Rosman (Razak) has done to transform this pair into a formidable force. Thank you, coach Rosman,” wrote a fan.
Other fans highlighted the superb fightback shown by the “Comeback Queens.
“No doubt the most exciting women’s doubles pair to watch in the world. Korea and China may have solid women’s doubles but Pearly-Thinaah really bring heart and soul to the game,” posted another fan.
“They deserve to get a standing ovation for their performance in this final,” stated a netizen.
“They have proved to be the most consistent pair for Malaysia,” praised another fan.
Another fan echoed the comeback shown by Pearly–Thinaah and why they deserve to be the world No. 1.
“I do respect your fighting spirit… 7-0 down… then win the first game 22-20… what a comeback! Deserve to be crowned as the No. 1 pair… Congratulations!” the fan said.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh also took to her Facebook page, saying Pearly–Thinaah made it a sweet Sunday through their Kumamoto triumph.
“Pearly and Thinaah have made it a sweet Sunday for Malaysia by winning the Kumamoto Masters women’s doubles title!,” stated Yeoh.
“Growing from strength to strength. They fought personal battles to bathe in glory as a duo. Our Road To Gold athletes produced an amazing performance to win their third title this year. #RoadToGold.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
