Badminton News: The Sudirman Cup is the perfect stage for Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah get up. They could be the difference maker in their Group C clash with India at the World Mixed Team Championships in Suzhou, China, May 14-2.

Malaysia and India are in a group with Taiwan and Australia in the 2023 Sudirman Cup. Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.

India seem to have the best memories of recent tag team matches against Malaysia.

The men’s team beat Malaysia in the Thomas Cup quarter-finals en route to lifting the trophy last year, while Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand suffered defeat to Pearly-Thinaah in a crucial game which saw the Malaysia lose to a 1-4 draw in the group stage of the Asian Mixed Team Championships in Dubai in February.

A draw in Suzhou will heavily depend on Pearly’s condition. He pulled out of the recent Asian Championships in Dubai due to illness, but National Doubles Coaching Director Rexy Mainaky is happy with his recovery so far.

“Pearly is in great shape and in good spirits too,” Rexy said.

During the match against the Indian girls, Rexy said, “For now, let Pearly and Thinaah focus on their training and preparations. We will analyze their match (defeat) against the Indians during the Asian meeting in Dubai.

Rexy was also pleased with the team cohesion during the three-day closed camp in Rawang for the Sudirman Cup team. None of them are allowed to carry cell phones.

“Every member of the team is involved and that’s good. I see a great effort from everyone, it’s nice to see the friendship in the team,” added Rexy.

Team unity is very important for Malaysia to qualify from the group stage as India and Taiwan have equal power to create upsets and advance to the last eight.

Article Tags: Pearl Tan, M Thinaah, Sudirman Cup 2023