KNOWING well that they could be the answer to Malaysia’s women’s doubles woes, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah have vowed nothing will stop them from realising their dreams.
Having only played together as a pair since June, the rookie duo have impressed by landing three titles (Malaysia International Series, India International and Bangladesh International Challenges) from four finals this season.
Following their most recent success in Dakar on Sunday, Pearly-Thinaah capped the year as World No 57.
Pearly, 19, hopes to up the ante by competing in higher-tier tournaments next year.
‘I believe our standard is up there when it comes to International Series and Challenges. Now, I am ready to play in bigger tournaments.
‘I want to gain more experience, which will motivate me to train harder as I want to be a world-class player.
‘Hopefully, we will get to play in more Super 100 and 300 tournaments next year,’ Pearly told Timesport yesterday.
Pearly, a World Junior Championships runner-up in 2018 with Toh Ee Wei, believes she and Thinaah strike a good combination because of their communication both on and off the court.
‘We understand each other very well and communicate before and after matches. We have faith in ourselves which makes us strong,’ she added.
Thinaah, 21, could not have asked for a better change in fortune, having only made the switch from singles in April.
‘My biggest challenge was my reaction on the court because as a doubles player, you need to be extra fast.
‘I took it in my stride and started enjoying myself. I have an amazing partner and also receive strong support from my coaches (Rosman Razak and Wong Pei Tty) and teammates.
‘I’m really looking forward to next year. I want to see Pearly and I move up the world ranking,’ Thinaah said.
Currently, Malaysia’s top two pairs are World No 15 Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yee and 25th-ranked Vivian Hoo-Yap Cheng Wen.