Birthday gift delivered: Pearly-Thinaah finally break Malaysia Open first-round curse
What better way to celebrate a birthday than with a dominant win on home soil?
Malaysian women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah kicked off the Petronas Malaysia Open 2026 in style today (7 January), breezing past India’s Rutaparna Panda-Swetaparna Panda 21-11, 21-9 in just 30 minutes at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
The victory was particularly sweet for Thinaah, who turned 28 on 3 January, just days before the tournament began.
But more than a birthday gift, the win marked a significant milestone: It was the first time the world No. 2 pair had made it past the opening round of the Malaysia Open since their debut in 2022.
They’re relieved to finally get through the first round, Tan told reporters after the match.
We were disappointed before because we couldn’t give our fans a chance to watch us in the second round. This year, Thinaah and I really focused on our game and it helped a lot.
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Familiar Foes, Fresh Focus
Thinaah, meanwhile, hopes the momentum will carry them even further this time.
We want to maintain this and perform even better as we try to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in our careers.
The pair will face a familiar foe next: Indonesia’s Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma-Meilysa Trias Puspitasari, whom they defeated in the SEA Games Thailand 2025 final last month.
Despite holding a perfect 4-0 record against the Indonesians, Tan was quick to dismiss any complacency.
Past results don’t mean much in tomorrow’s match. We need to be ready physically and mentally, rest well, eat properly and focus on the game.
Eyes on the prize: Tan in action during the dominant 21-11, 21-9 victory over India’s Panda sisters, marking their return to a second-round appearance at the Malaysia Open after a string of early exits in past editions. (Pix: Fernando Fong)
Five Out Of Five For Malaysia
Their win capped off a flawless opening day for Malaysian badminton, with all five national representatives advancing to the second round.
Men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, the former world champions, had to work harder for their victory, edging out American duo Chen Zhi Yi-Presley Smith 21-11, 21-19.
Overall, it was a good match for their first tournament of 2026, though they made some simple mistakes in the second set, Chia said.
The wind conditions differed from those in practice, which made us a bit hesitant.
Also progressing were professional mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai, men’s singles player Leong Jun Hao, and men’s doubles pair Arif Junaidi-Yap Roy King.
The Petronas Malaysia Open 2026, held at Axiata Arena, runs until Sunday (11 January).
Arif and Yap (right) advanced to the second round of the Malaysia Open by defeating rivals Choi Sol Gyu and Goh V Shem in a challenging match. (Pix: Fernando Fong)
Fan favourite: Chia connects with the passionate home crowd after advancing to the second round, as supporters reach out with flags and phones to capture the moment. (Pix: Fernando Fong)
Intense focus as the umpire keeps a watchful eye during the women’s singles action between Riko Gunji (left) and Gao Fang Jie. (Pix: Fernando Fong)
Photographers jostle for position to capture badminton stars in action. (Pix: Fernando Fong)
Home crowd advantage: Malaysian fans pack the stands at Axiata Arena, waving flags and homemade signs to cheer on their heroes. (Pix: Fernando Fong)
