Latest news with #KheWei
New Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Pearly-Thinaah now the hunted in world badminton
KUALA LUMPUR: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah are no longer the hunters — they're now being hunted. The world No. 3 women's doubles pair have become a serious threat on the World Tour, and even badminton powerhouse China are beginning to take notice. Former international Woon Khe Wei believes Pearly-Thinaah's rapid rise has top nations on high alert, especially after their stunning run at last week's Japan Open. The Malaysians shocked home favourites and world No. 2 Chiharu Shida-Nami Matsuyama 21-13, 21-11 in the semi-finals, before falling 21-15, 21-14 to China's world No. 1 Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning in the final. The back-to-back runners-up finish — following a similar result at last month's Indonesia Open — came hot on the heels of their four-year contract extension with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). "After the Japan Open, rival nations will definitely be more worried," said Khe Wei, a 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist. "Pearly-Thinaah have shown they can apply serious pressure on the world's best. Even China's top pairs are now preparing specifically to face them. "Reaching their first Super 750 final is a breakthrough. It justifies their ranking among the world's top three." Khe Wei believes the pair's new aggressive approach, coupled with a strong coach-player relationship, could see them go even further at this week's China Open in Changzhou. "They've been more confident and fearless lately. Now that the contract issue is settled, they're more relaxed and focused — on and off court," she added. "Financially, they're secure. They don't have that stress anymore, and that's a big relief for any athlete. "Their partnership with national coach Rosman Razak has also flourished. He's brought structure and clarity to their game, helped them refine their strategies, and kept them composed in pressure situations. "He communicates well, and his tactical input has elevated their performance, especially in big matches." Pearly-Thinaah will start their China Open campaign on Wednesday against world No. 42 Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee in Changzhou They're on course for rematches against Shida-Matsuyama and Sheng Shu-Tan Ning, as they chase their maiden Super 1000 crown.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Stick with BAM, Khe Wei urges Pearly-Thinaah
KUALA LUMPUR: Former national shuttler Woon Khe Wei has warned world No. 4 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah against leaving the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), insisting the national body remains their best option. Khe Wei, who won the 2014 Commonwealth Games women's doubles gold with Vivian Hoo, said only those with exceptional discipline succeed as professionals — and even then, it's a huge risk. "Many have tried and failed to make the grade," she said. Khe Wei stressed that BAM provides everything from coaching to tournament arrangements, allowing players to focus solely on results. Pearly-Thinaah have yet to renew their BAM contract, which expired in December, as they are believed to be holding out for a more lucrative deal. However, BAM has stood firm and is unwilling to further improve its current revised offer. Khe Wei believes the pair would struggle to find a dedicated women's doubles coach if they go independent. "BAM offers top-class facilities and coaching. Pearly-Thinaah don't have to worry about logistics. They just train, compete and deliver," she said. "As independents, they'll need to manage their own schedules, secure a coach, and make travel plans. It's easy to lose discipline without a structured system — players can skip training or slack off. "With BAM, there's no excuse — they train, eat, sleep and compete. Even injuries are handled well with good recovery support." Khe Wei also pointed out that Pearly-Thinaah's preferred coach, Rosman Razak, is already with BAM, making a move unnecessary. She admitted financial freedom could be tempting, especially with the pair's large social media following. "They're very popular on Instagram and other platforms, so attracting sponsors wouldn't be an issue if they go independent," said Khe Wei. "But the pressure to perform will still be there. Sponsors only stay if results follow. If their form drops, the deals will dry up too." She acknowledged that while some independent pairs have succeeded — like world No. 2 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (men's doubles) and world No. 3 Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai (mixed doubles) — it remains a gamble. "There are risks in going pro. Some manage, but most don't. Pearly-Thinaah should stay with BAM and continue their progress."
