KUALA LUMPUR: Can world No. 8 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah finally get it right after storming into their second consecutive World Tour final at the Hong Kong Open?
The Malaysian women's doubles pair showcased maturity and resilience to outlast world No. 2 Baek Ha Na-Lee So Hee 22-20, 17-21, 21-15 in a thrilling semi-final at the Hong Kong Coliseum today.
Pearly-Thinaah will now face China's Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning, who overcame South Korea's Kim So Yeong-Kong Hee Yong 21-12, 18-21, 21-16, in tomorrow's final.
World No. 3 Sheng Shu-Tan Ning hold a 4-2 head-to-head advantage over the Malaysians.
Their most recent clash was at last month's Japan Open quarter-finals, where Sheng Shu-Tan Ning emerged victorious 17-21, 21-14, 21-10.
However, Pearly-Thinaah, brimming with confidence, will be determined to clinch their first title of the season after narrowly missing out in the Korea Open final two weeks ago.
Reflecting on their semi-final triumph, Thinaah admitted the Koreans' aggressive approach in the second game made things difficult.
"The Koreans piled on the pressure, especially in the second game," she said.
"Our strategy was to stay aggressive, and that helped us win points. We also communicated well when things got tough. We're thrilled to pull through and reach the final."
The Malaysian duo now have their sights set on tomorrow's final, aiming to capture their first World Tour title since the 2022 French Open.
"There's one more match to go, and we must stay focused. We're grounded and ready to give our best tomorrow," added Thinaah.
The pair will also be seeking redemption after finishing as runners-up at last year's Hong Kong Open.