Badminton

Pearly-Thinaah on course to face China's world No.1 pair after clearing All England first round

KUALA LUMPUR: National women's pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah geared up for a potential clash with China's world No. 1 Chen Qing Chen-Jia Yi Fan at the All England with a convincing first-round victory over compatriots Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien yesterday.

Pearly-Thinaah needed just 26 minutes to beat world No. 36 Vivian-Chiew Sien 21-10, 21-10 at the Arena Birmingham.

To stand a chance against Qing Chen-Yi Fan, who recently won the French Open title, Pearly-Thinaah must perform at their peak in the last 16 encounter.

Qing Chen-Yi Fan, four-time world champions, are anticipated to easily overcome Taiwan's Hsu Ya Ching-Lin Wan Ching today.

Pearly-Thinaah's best performance at the All England thus far has been reaching the quarter-finals, achieved twice in 2021 and 2022.

In the mixed doubles, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie also advanced to the last 16 after defeating Taiwan's Chang Ko Chi-Lee Chih Chen 21-17, 26-24.

The thrilling second game witnessed Soon Huat-Shevon clawing back from 15-11 down before converting their fourth match point to secure the victory.

The win marked the Malaysians' first-round breakthrough after five editions at the tournament. Prior to this, Soon Huat-Shevon achieved a career-best semi-final appearance in 2019.

Soon Huat-Shevon are likely to face newly crowned French Open champions Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping of China for a spot in the quarter-finals.

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