KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s badminton contingent has made history with two unprecedented breakthroughs at the World Championships, as Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah stormed into their respective finals in Paris.
Tang Jie and Ee Wei became the first Malaysians ever to reach a mixed doubles final after a determined win against France’s Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue 21-18, 21-16 in today’s semi-final, breaking new ground for the nation in a category long dominated by China, South Korea, and Indonesia.
Their success came just after Pearly and Thinaah wrote their own chapter in Malaysian badminton history, becoming the country’s first women’s doubles finalists at the world stage after defeating Japan’s Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida 14-21, 21-13, 21-12.
“Honestly, it’s still unbelievable that we are here today because the past one or two weeks have been a really bumpy ride,” said Thinaah during an interview with BWF.
“Thankfully, everyone around us never gave up on us, and I’m really grateful for that. To be here today is something words can’t describe.”
Pearly added, “I think we managed to stay calm. Both sides were nervous, but our communication was very good. That helped us stay composed.”
The twin achievements mark the first time Malaysia will contest finals in both events at the tournament – a symbolic breakthrough that comes on the eve of Merdeka.
Tang Jie and Ee Wei’s high-energy play and Pearly-Thinaah’s fighting spirit have not only earned them places in Sunday’s finals but also lifted hopes of Malaysia claiming its first-ever World Championship gold in categories once deemed out of reach.
The historic moment has electrified the Malaysian sporting community, coinciding with the country’s National Day celebrations. — August 30, 2025