MALAYSIA'S top women's doubles pair Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah are ready to face the intimidating Istora Senayan crowd again at the Indonesia Open which starts Tuesday.
On Saturday, the world No 10 fell short in their bid to reach their first Super 500 final, losing 21-23, 21-14, 21-14 to homesters Apriyani Rahayu-Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti in the semi-finals of the Indonesia Masters.
The 2021 Swiss Open champions admitted that it was a whole new experience, playing in front of a packed energetic crowd, but believe they are better prepared to face the noisy fans again this week at the Istora cauldron.
Thinaah, who only made the switch to the doubles in 2019, said: "Overall, we did okay at the Indonesia Masters, but we are not entirely satisfied with our performance because we know we could have done better.
"We want to bouce back stronger and produce an improved performance at the Indonesia Open.
"However, I must admit that I have never experienced such an atmosphere like the Istora Senayan before.
"The crowd was really wild, it was so intimidating. I have never faced such an energetic crowd before in my life."
Despite the imposing atmosphere when up against Indonesian players, Pearly-Thinaah were still grateful for the warm reception they received throughout the week.
"The fans were not bad, of course they were going to be behind their players.
"But they were cheering us on throughout the week in our earlier matches, and that helped us a lot. For that, we are thankful," added Thinaah.
Pearly-Thinaah, who have been doing great this season, will kick off their campaign at the Super 1000 Indonesia Open against compatriots Anna Cheong-Teoh Mei Xing.
Barring any upset, Pearly-Thinaah are slated to face fourth seeds Yuki Fukushima-Sayaka Hirota in the second round.
The other Malaysian pair in the fray are independent shuttlers, Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien, who will face Brazil's Jaqueline Lima-Samia Lima in the first round.
Former internationals Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty, who have turned to coaching since retiring, remain the only Malaysians to have won the Indonesia Open women's doubles crown, back in 2009.