KUALA LUMPUR: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah can no longer sit around expecting a miracle after narrowly advancing to the second round of the Indonesia Open on Tuesday.
The Paris Olympic-bound women's doubles pair are well aware that they need to improve if they wish to progress further in the Super 1000 event.
Following a disappointing first-round exit at the Singapore Open last week, world No. 13 Pearly-Thinaah showed glimpses of their potential by edging Taiwan's Sung Shuo Yun-Yu Chien Hui 21-19, 22-20 in the first round at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta.
Speaking to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Thinaah said: "We made a lot of mistakes, but this is something we are working on. We are trying to find our own rhythm and style of play; we definitely want to do better in our next match."
Pearly-Thinaah, who have not won a title since their 2022 French Open triumph, will face Thailand's Jonkolphan Kititharakul-Rawinda Prajongjai or Indonesia's Apriyani Rahayu-Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti next.
"We are trying to get used to the court. Although we have been playing here for a few years, every edition it's different. For now, we must stay focused on our game plan," added Pearly.
Pearly-Thinaah's best showing this season was reaching the semi-finals of the Super 500 Malaysia Masters two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, it was the end of the road for two Malaysian mixed doubles pairs.
World No. 9 Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, who have been inconsistent, were sent packing in the first round after a 21-13, 21-15 defeat to reigning world champions Seo Seung Jae-Chae Yu Jung of South Korea, while Malaysia Masters champions Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai also failed to clear their opening hurdle, succumbing 16-21, 21-17, 21-10 to Hong Kong's Reginald Lee Chun Hei-Ng Tsz Yau.