KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's top women's doubles pair, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, are seeking a fresh start this new year.
After being plagued by a series of injuries last season, the world No. 12 duo are determined to perform better as they enter the final leg of the Paris Olympics one-year qualifying period.
Yesterday, ahead of the Super 1000 Malaysia Open at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, the pair highlighted their vision and dreams for the year.
"Everything so far is good. We're always happy to play on home ground. Our goal here is to motivate and support each other," said Thinaah.
Pearly, who has been focusing on improving her physical condition over the past couple of months, admitted she has been feeling more confident.
"For me, I want to be injury-free. I have been feeling much better and confident with my body, although I still need to do more exercises to maintain and improve my physical condition," added Pearly.
In the previous edition, Pearly-Thinaah crashed out in the first round.
However, just months later, they came back to reach the final of the Malaysia Masters, eventually losing to South Korea's Baek Ha Na-Lee So Hee.
This year, the 2022 French Open champions will face China's eighth seeds Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning in the opening round.
"They are China's rising stars, and it's a new year for them too.
"But we would rather focus on our own game, communicate well, and give our best," said Pearly.
The other Malaysian women's doubles pairs in the competition are 2022 quarter-finalists Anna Cheong-Teoh Mei Xing, and independent shuttlers Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien.
Anna-Mei Xing will take on second seeds Ha Na-So Hee, while Vivian-Chiew Sien will play China's Li Wen Mei-Liu Xuan Xuan.