KUALA LUMPUR: The Japan Open has become a stage for redemption for Malaysia's top women's pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and mixed pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.
Both pairs are eager to reset and bounce back from their bittersweet Olympic campaign in Paris, after surging into the quarter-finals of the Super 750 tournament today (Aug 22).
Pearly-Thinaah overcame Denmark's Mai Surrow-Julie Finne-Ipsen 21-11, 22-20, setting up a quarter-final clash against Olympic silver medallists Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning of China.
Meanwhile, Tang Jie-Ee Wei dispatched Denmark's Mads Vestergaard-Christine Busch 21-13, 21-13, and will next face the formidable Chinese duo, second seeds Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin, in their quest for a semi-final berth.
Although the Japan Open may seem less prestigious right after the Olympics, both Malaysian pairs recognise its importance in rebuilding their confidence.
Their Olympic campaigns were a rollercoaster of emotions.
Pearly-Thinaah's Olympic run was particularly noteworthy.
They defied expectations in the 'Group of Death', bouncing back from an opening loss to eventual gold medallists Chen Qing Chen-Jia Yi Fan of China.
Their subsequent victories over higher-ranked pairs, including two-time world champions Mayu Matsumoto-Wakana Nagahara from Japan, and Indonesia's Apriyani Rahayu-Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanthia, showcased their potential.
Despite a heartbreaking loss in the bronze medal match to Japan's Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida, their performance won widespread admiration.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei's Olympic run was equally impressive.
They topped their group undefeated, including a stunning victory over world No. 2 Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping of China.
Although their run ended in the quarter-finals against eventual silver medallists Kim Won Ho-Jeong Na Eun from South Korea, their potential was evident.
In an interview with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) after their win today, Thinaah said: "We're happy with how things are going so far after a swift return to court following the Olympics.
"We're nowhere near the level we played during the Olympics, but we're trying hard to regain momentum and rhythm. There's still plenty of room for improvement."
Pearly is eager to make the most of the next two tournaments, including the Korea Open.
"While we're not back to our best conditions, we just want to give 100 per cent for now," she said.
""Of course, it's very challenging. We've had plenty of discussions before making this decision to return swiftly to competition. We both share the same motivation.
"We will be going to Korea too next week."