BIRMINGHAM, England – Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah of Malaysia have ended a 19-year drought for their nation at the All England Open Badminton Championships, reaching the semi-finals on Friday, March 7th. The world number two pair defeated Indonesia’s Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Meilysa Trias Puspitasari 21-9, 21-18 in a match lasting just 43 minutes at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.
This marks the first time a Malaysian women’s doubles team has reached the semi-final stage of the prestigious tournament since Wong Pei Tty and Chin Eei Hui accomplished the feat in 2007. The victory is particularly significant as Pearly Tan and Thinaah were runners-up at the 2022 World Championships, and this All England run represents a continued climb towards the pinnacle of the sport.
The opening game was a dominant display from the Malaysians, securing a swift 21-9 victory. While the second game proved more competitive, with the score tied at 16-16, Pearly Tan and Thinaah demonstrated resilience and determination to close out the match with a 21-18 win. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure was a key factor in overcoming a challenging second game.
“After six years, we are here. It’s a big relief,” said Thinaah, reflecting on the significance of the achievement. “We reached the quarter-finals last year, and there had been several occasions when we were close but yet far. But to finally make a breakthrough is a really happy feeling.” The pair had previously reached the quarter-final stage in 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025, but suffered an opening-round loss in 2023, making this year’s semi-final appearance all the more rewarding.
Despite the elation of reaching the semi-finals, Pearly Tan and Thinaah remain focused on continuous improvement. “But this does not stop here as we still have a few things to work on and improve. We must stay focused and recover well,” Thinaah added. “I’ve learnt over the years not to be satisfied even on our great days. There is always something small to work on.” This commitment to refinement underscores their dedication to maximizing their potential on the world stage.
The duo also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from their fans. “You guys make us feel right at home. We enjoy every game and the screams after every point… we are truly grateful,” Pearly Tan shared, acknowledging the positive impact of fan enthusiasm on their performance.
Standing between Pearly Tan and Thinaah and a place in the final are South Korea’s Baek Ha Na and Lee So Hee. The two pairs have a closely contested head-to-head record, currently tied at 3-3. Their most recent encounter came in the quarter-finals of the China Masters last year, a nail-biting match that the Koreans won 20-22 in the deciding game. This history suggests a potentially tight and fiercely contested semi-final showdown.
The upcoming match against Baek and Lee presents a significant challenge, but also an opportunity for Pearly Tan and Thinaah to surpass previous Malaysian achievements at the All England Open. No Malaysian women’s pair has ever reached the final, let alone won the title. This semi-final represents a chance to write a latest chapter in Malaysian badminton history.
The All England Open Badminton Championships, a Super 1000 event on the BWF World Tour, is one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments in the sport. Its history dates back to 1899, and winning the title is considered a major accomplishment for any badminton player. The tournament attracts top players from around the globe, making the competition exceptionally fierce.
Pearly Tan and Thinaah’s success in Birmingham comes at a crucial time for Malaysian badminton, providing a much-needed boost to the nation’s sporting pride. Their journey to the semi-finals has captivated fans and ignited hopes for further success in the tournament. The pair’s performance underscores the growing strength of Malaysian women’s doubles badminton on the international stage.
The semi-final match between Pearly Tan/Thinaah and Baek Ha Na/Lee So Hee is scheduled for Saturday, March 8th, at the Utilita Arena Birmingham. Fans can follow live updates and results on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) website and through official tournament social media channels. The winners will advance to the final on Sunday, March 9th, where they will compete for the coveted All England Open title.
As Pearly Tan and Thinaah prepare for their semi-final clash, they carry the hopes of a nation eager to witness a historic moment in Malaysian badminton. Their determination, skill, and unwavering support from fans will be crucial as they strive to make their mark on the All England Open and continue their ascent to the top of the world rankings.
