Paris, France – August 30, 2025 – The Malaysian badminton scene is celebrating a monumental achievement as the nation’s top women’s doubles pair, Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan, became the first Malaysian women’s doubles team to secure a medal at the BWF World Championships. The dynamic duo, seeded No. 2, booked their place in the final on Saturday, August 30, after a stunning comeback victory over Japan’s formidable No. 3 seeds, Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida.
The semifinal clash was a captivating display of grit and determination. The Japanese pair, known for their relentless aggression and precision, started the match in dominant fashion, overpowering the Malaysian duo in the first game with a comfortable 21-14 victory. It appeared as though the momentum was firmly on their side, but Tan and Muralitharan, nicknamed “Patina,” had other plans.
Refusing to be intimidated, the Malaysian pair regrouped and launched a spirited comeback. Their coordinated offense and solid defense rattled their Japanese opponents, who struggled to contain the Malaysians’ newfound rhythm. Tan and Muralitharan clinched the second game with a commanding 21-13 score, setting the stage for a thrilling decider. The final game saw the Malaysian pair completely in control, their confidence soaring as they systematically dismantled the Japanese challenge. With a decisive 21-12 win, they sealed their place in the final, securing a historic medal for Malaysia.
This incredible run follows their impressive performance in the quarterfinals, where they dispatched the Bulgarian Stoeva sisters, Gabriela and Stefani, in a swift and convincing straight-game victory, 21-15, 21-10. Their journey to the final has been a testament to their hard work and unwavering belief, silencing any doubts after a quarterfinal exit in the previous edition of the championships.
Pearly and Thinaah now await their final opponent, who will emerge from the other semifinal clash between a Japanese and a Chinese team. Regardless of the outcome, their performance has already made an indelible mark on Malaysian badminton history.
The historic day was further sweetened by the success of Malaysia’s mixed doubles pair, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei. The duo also made history by becoming the first Malaysian mixed doubles pair in 19 years to win a medal at the World Championships, highlighting a resurgence in the nation’s badminton prowess.
However, the day wasn’t without its disappointments. Malaysia’s men’s doubles hopes were dashed in the quarterfinals, as both of their pairs were knocked out. Reigning world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik (seeded No. 2) were defeated by India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, while Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun (seeded No. 7) were overcome by their respective opponents in a hard-fought match.
Despite these setbacks, the extraordinary achievements of Pearly Tan/Thinaah Muralitharan and Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei have injected a new wave of optimism into Malaysian badminton, proving that the future is bright for the sport in the country. All eyes will now be on Tan and Muralitharan as they step onto the court for the final, hoping to crown their historic journey with a gold medal.