SEPANG: National junior coach Amelia Alicia Anscelly believes Pearly Tan-Toh Ee Wei have what it takes to become Malaysia's next top pair in women’s doubles.
Amelia, who took charge of the girls' doubles department earlier this year, is confident following Pearly-Ee Wei's feat in reaching the final of the World Junior Championships in Markham, Canada.
In the final on Sunday, Pearly-Ee Wei lost 21-16, 21-16 to World No 1 (junior) Liu Xuanxuan-Xia Yuting of China.
"Firstly, I am very proud of their (Pearly-Ee Wei) achievement. We had targeted a podium finish but it was unfortunate that they couldn't bring home the gold.
"Having said that, winning silver is already a huge achievement. They played their best and had given their all.
"If they continue to work hard, they will definitely become Malaysia's No 1. There is no doubt they will be world beaters," said Amelia, a former national women's doubles shuttler.
Amelia, who won the 2015 Sea Games gold with her then partner, Soong Fie Cho, added she will recommend the pair to national women's doubles head coach, Rosman Razak for more senior tournaments.
"In terms of partnership, it is up to Rosman, because he has his own plans.
"However, I will recommend to him to consider entering Pearly-Ee Wei in senior tournaments. Perhaps to start them in lower tier competitions like the International Series and International Challenges.
"It will take some time as they will need to improve their mindset. Once at the senior level, they cannot be stuck in the past. They can't think they will do well just because they were once world junior finalists.
"They must work extra hard and build on their ability and consistency if they want to match up to players from Japan and South Korea, especially when it comes to stamina."
Pearly-Ee Wei's achievement is also a motivation for Amelia to continue producing more players with talent for the future.
"I feel proud, because I only took up the coaching role earlier this year. We have a few more players like Valeree Siow and Low Yeen Yuen who also did well.
"I am motivated to produce more top junior players," said Amelia.