Top pair chase major titles
PETALING JAYA: With their contract issues finally resolved, national women's doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah can now breathe easy and shift their full focus to the three major tournaments on the horizon.
After seven months of speculation, the world No. 3 pair finally secured a four-year deal with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) until the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, effectively closing the door on any possibility of leaving the national camp to become professional players.
For Pearly-Thinaah, they are extremely grateful for the approach taken by the new president, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, during the negotiations, as he truly understood their situation.
In fact, Thinaah explained that they had no intention of extending the contract issue for seven months, given their extremely packed schedule, and they remain fully focused and committed to the tournaments they participate in.
'First of all, I have to thank Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul because he has been very supportive and understanding towards both of us. I mean, it wasn't about either party wanting to prolong the contract.
'It was just that our tournaments were already back-to-back. We are really relieved that everything has come to an agreement, and now we are just looking forward,' Thinaah said during a press conference at the Badminton Academy of Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
Pearly shared a similar sentiment, noting that they are set to compete in the Japan Open starting next Tuesday, followed by the China Open a week later, and then the World Championships in Paris on Aug 25.
'So for now, we can really focus on our badminton and we hope we can maintain this form for all the tournaments.
'I can say now that we can clear our minds, focus, and hope this will help us improve our performance and achieve our goals,' Pearly added.
They are also hoping to produce strong performances in all three tournaments to add to their title collection.
So far this year, they have won the Thailand Open in May.
'Over the past few years, we've been trying to win medals at major tournaments, but unfortunately, it hasn't happened yet. Still, we're giving our all in training and doing our best, hoping to finally achieve that,' said Thinaah.
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