Malaysia’s top women’s doubles duo, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, produced a thrilling comeback to book their place in the second round of the Japan Masters 2025, overcoming Japan’s Mikoto Aiso and Momoha Niimi in a fierce three-game battle in Kumamoto today.
After losing the first set 18-21, the Malaysian pair found their rhythm through aggressive mid-court play and precise net shots, cruising to victory 21-9, 21-17 in just under an hour.
The world No. 2 duo will now face South Korea’s Jeong Na Eun and Lee Yeon Woo, a defensively solid pair ranked 20th in the world.
In men’s doubles, Choi Sol Gyu and Goh V Shem fell short against Japan’s Haruki Kawabe and Kenta Matsukawa, while in men’s singles, Leong Jun Hao suffered a narrow three-game loss to India’s H.S. Prannoy, ending Malaysia’s BAM men’s singles campaign early.
Malaysia’s good fortune came from Wong Ling Ching, who easily dispatched Japan’s Nanaho Kondo 21-16, 21-11. She now faces Canada’s Michelle Li in the next round, hoping to secure a surprise quarterfinal berth.
