BANGKOK: Can women’s doubles shuttlers Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah push their tired bodies beyond the limit to end the season on a high at the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou starting tomorrow?
That is the hope of coach Rosman Razak although the duo have never gone beyond the group stage in the previous Finals.
This time, however, the reigning SEA Games champions may have a better chance after being handed favourable draw in the group stage.
World No. 2 and top seeds pearly-thinaah are in group with China’s World No. 1
Rosman is reasonably happy with the draw and also the duo’s strong resolve to end Malaysia’s 10-year wait for gold at the SEA Games on Sunday.
“I can’t deny there’s always a high target for Pearly-Thinaah. I can’t say they are just going to the Finals just to play,” said Rosman.
“As a coach, I want them to perform to the maximum of their abilities and then I will leave the results to God.
“If they have given everything like in the SEA Games, then I can accept whatever outcome.
“It also depends on their recovery process after the Games. There are no excuses though as they are true professionals.”
Rosman said the duo’s good record against some of their opponents in the Finals group would carry weight.
“When it comes to the Tour Finals, we cannot escape as the top eight pairs in the world will be there,” said Rosman.
“Pearly-Thinaah do have the advantage over the two Japanese pairs but the Chinese combo will be tough to beat.
“Hopefully, they can continue the momentum after the SEA Games success.”
Fucky-Thinaah 7-2 and 5-1
The World Championships silver medallists though have only won once in six meetings against Yifan-Shuxian.
Only the top two pairs in the group will progress to the semi-finals.
Shengshu-Tan Ning, South Korld No. 3 They are not the same as Hee-Yong, world No. 5 The 5th 11th 11th 11th ofurance (No. 11).
Pearly-Thinaah have captured three titles in the Thailand Open, Arctic Open and Japan Masters to add to their SEA Games gold.
Pearly-Thinaah also finished runners-up in the world meet, Indonesian Open, Japan Open and Indonesian Masters.
Winning the Finals will be the icing on the cake for an exceptional year in their careers.
