KUALA LUMPUR: Former international Woon Khe Wei believes women’s pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah have proved their “high level” consistency amid a gruelling run of back-to-back tournaments.
However, fatigue is a concern as world No. 2 Pearly-Thinaah continue at the China Masters beginning tomorrow after the Paris World Championships and Hong Kong Open.
Pearly-Thinaah won a historic silver medal at the World Championships before heading to Hong Kong to defend their title. However, they lost in the semi-final on Saturday.
Khe Wei said the duo have shown commendable resilience, maintaining their form even under physical and mental strain.
“Of course playing three tournaments in a row is very tough,” added Khe Wei who won the 2014 Commonwealth Games women’s doubles gold with Vivian Hoo.
“Physically and mentally they will feel it, especially as they had little time to rest after doing well in the first two events.
“But so far, they have been consistent and in good form. I think they can still maintain their performance in the China Masters.”
Khe Wei said recovery and nutrition will be crucial if Pearly-Thinaah are to sustain their level in China.
While Pearly-Thinaah have built momentum with their deep runs in Paris and Hong Kong, Khe Wei said their toughest challenges still lie ahead.
“At the moment, the strongest opponents are from China. Against other countries, they should feel confident.”
Pearly-Thinaah will open their China Masters campaign against Indonesia’s Febriana Kusuma-Meilysa Puspitasari, a young pair who they have beaten in the second round of the Hong Kong Open.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
