KUALA LUMPUR: Pearly Tan braved through pain to help secure a spot in the All-England women’s doubles quarter-finals with partner M. Thinaah on Thursday (March 13).
The Malaysian pair looked to be in control against Indonesia’s Apriyani Rahayu-Siti Fadia Ramadhanti, but a moment of concern arose when Pearly twisted her left ankle while landing awkwardly on a shot.
The injury came as the fifth seeds were leading 14-7 in the second game, briefly sending a scare through the Malaysian camp.
However, Pearly showed true grit and fighting spirit.
After receiving medical attention, she returned to the court and pushed through the pain, guiding the pair to a hard-fought 21-16, 21-14 victory in 43 minutes.
Said Thinaah: “I’m really proud that Pearly gave a good fight and I was able to cover for her too.”
“No one wants to get injured but I was concerned and I asked how it was but she told needed a minute to get back.
“I have always admired her fighting spirit, I have since I teamed up with her. She never gives in easily,” added Thinaah.
“We will focus on recovery and be ready for the next match,” added Thinaah.
It was their second consecutive win over the Indonesians, having last beaten them at the Paris Olympics in August.
Pearly-Thinaah will now face a tough challenge against third seeds Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida of Japan in the women’s doubles quarter-finals.
