[Photos] Pearly-Thinaah’s Gruelling Fight In Badminton Finals Wins Hearts Of Fans

The umpire forced Thinaah to play on when she was injured, prompting intervention by national badminton doubles coach Rexy Mainaky.

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National women’s badminton team, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah gave it their all in a nail-biting badminton final but unfortunately lost.

The match was one of the most intense and gruelling fights in Perodua Malaysia Masters 2023, and fans were on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The comeback that the world’s 11th-ranked pair tried to spark – after losing the first set and when they fell behind in the third set – did not end as expected.

Pearly-Thinaah’s determination and fighting spirit inspired fans around the world. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

The ‘comeback queens’ were forced to submit to the hands of the South Korean pair, Baek Ha Na-Lee So Hee 20-22, 21-8, 17-21 in action at the Bukit Jalil Axiata Arena.

As champion Ha Na-So Hee took home a cash prize of US$33,180 (RM152,661), while Pearly-Thinaah took home US$15,960 (RM73,431) as runner-up.

Despite Injury, Thinaah Fights Hard Until The End

Both players gave it their all, with each point being fiercely contested.

The game was a true battle of skill and endurance, with neither side giving an inch.

Despite suffering an injury, Thinaah continued to play through the pain. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

In the game’s late stages, Thinaah suffered an injury, but she continued to play through the pain.

Despite this setback, Pearly-Thinaah continued to fight hard and made a valiant effort.

Pearly & Thinaah gave their all out sampai Thinaah vomit.. Umpire urging them to play(?) but Coach Rexy turun padang.

A fatherly figure indeed 🙌🏻 Tq coach..

Thank you PearThin for all 🍀#PERODUAMalaysiaMasters2023 pic.twitter.com/nIIjApN5bw
— Z 💎🇲🇾 (@theone_xyz) May 28, 2023

However, things got heated when Thinaah’s coach Rexy Mainaky intervened and disputed with the umpire over a call.

The incident caused a brief delay in the match, but Thinaah regained her focus and continued playing.

The dispute between coach Rexy Mainaky and the umpire caused a brief delay in the match. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

Despite their incredible efforts, Pearly-Thinaah eventually lost the match.

However, their fighting spirit and determination won the hearts of their fans.

Many took to social media to express their admiration for Pearly-Thinaah’s performance, with some even calling it one of the greatest matches in badminton they’ve seen.

Their performance in the final will be remembered for years to come, and fans will eagerly anticipate their return to the court. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

Pearly-Thinaah were gracious in defeat, congratulating their opponent on a well-deserved win.

They also thanked fans for their support and promised to return stronger.

A teary-eyed Pearly Tan getting some encouragement from her family. (Pix: Fernando Fong)

A Better Tomorrow

Although Pearly-Thinaah may not have won the tournament, they have cemented their place as one of the sport’s most promising, talented and inspiring players.

Pearly-Thinaah have the opportunity to make up for their disappointment this time when they play at the Singapore Open next week.

In the first round, they will open the curtain against the Japanese team, Rin Inagawa-Kie Nakanishi.