KUALA LUMPUR – It is now very likely that national number one women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah will be excluded from the Uber Cup, said Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky.
Speaking to reporters at ABM in Bukit Kiara today, Rexy said the pair is 90% out of the final squad for the women’s team competition.
“I’m 90% sure I won’t include them in the final squad for the Uber Cup, however, the final list has yet to be decided.
“So far, the ABM management has agreed in principle with the decision to exclude them,” said Rexy.
With the absence of the duo, women’s doubles player Teoh Mei Xing will be the most senior player in the squad, if picked.
“The rest I still need to discuss with my coaching staff because some players can play in two events, so we need to look at the possibilities.
“There are a lot of aspects that we need to look at, as there are many young players in the women’s department.
“We are not going to the Uber Cup just to participate, but we have to be realistic about our chances,” said the Indonesian.
Rexy first mooted the idea of excluding Pearly and Thinaah from the Uber Cup squad last week so the duo could focus 100% on their preparations for the Paris Olympics in July.
At the same time, sports analyst Mohd Sadek Mustafa hailed the potential of leaving the world number 14 pair out as a “smart move”.
When asked about the potential of missing out on the Uber Cup, Pearly said she and Thinaah believe there are still advantages to whether they are chosen or not for the team competition.
“We believe that any decision made will ultimately benefit us,” she said.
The Uber Cup will take place in Chengdu, China, from April 27 until May 5. – April 2, 2024