AFTER a two-year wait, women's doubles Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah are banking on home crowd support to rock the Malaysia Open, which starts tomorrow in Bukit Jalil.
The World No 11 hit for roughly an hour on the competition courts at the Axiata Arena yesterday and are already feeling right at home.
The Malaysia Open was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We had a good practice session today and are preparing well for the tournament," said Thinaah after training yesterday.
"The courts here are in fine condition. The organisers have decorated the venue nicely.
"I think it will be a good experience for us to play in front of our home crowd.
"Last week in Indonesia, we saw how fans lifted their players in terms of motivation. We are looking forward to (receiving) the same support here."
Although Pearly-Thinaah could only reach the last 16 of the Indonesia Open last week, the pair have done decently this year.
They were semi-finalists at the Indonesia Masters and Thailand Open, and quarter-finalists at the All England.
Pearly is keen to keep building on their form to make an impression in the tournament.
"We are really excited to play here again after two years," said Pearly.
"The last few tournaments have given us strong motivation. We hope to be more consistent and prepared here."
Pearly-Thinaah grabbed attention last year when they won the Swiss Open and helped Malaysia reach the semi-finals of the Sudirman Cup.
The pair will open against China's Liu Xuan Xuan-Xia Yu Ting.