KUALA LUMPUR – While the final decision rests with Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, it is understood that Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair have few viable alternatives that could persuade them to leave the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
A well-placed source told Scoop today that the current economic climate—particularly in badminton—means there are few sponsors willing to invest significantly in just two players.
In April, it was reported that the world number four duo were considering going independent, having requested a remuneration package from BAM comparable to the association’s top earners—reportedly around RM2 million annually.
After weeks of speculation, Scoop reported last week that the 2022 French Open champions are likely to remain with BAM and are expected to sign new contracts upon returning from the ongoing Thailand Open in Bangkok.
BAM, however, have remained firm in their stance—they will not revise the offer made to Pearly and Thinaah in January, after their previous contracts expired in December.
“BAM have been very fair and listened to the girls. The negotiations were conducted in good faith.
“But let’s be honest—options outside BAM are limited. Even if a sponsor comes forward with a decent package, the players would still need to cover tournament expenses, facilities, coaching, and more.
“At BAM, all of that is provided,” said the source.
Pearly and Thinaah, who made history last year by becoming the first Malaysian women’s doubles pair to reach an Olympic semi-final, booked their spot in the Thailand Open semi-finals today with a convincing 21-14, 21-11 win over China’s scratch pair Chen Qing Chen and Wang Ting Ge.
They will next face Japan’s Rui Hirokami and Sayaka Hobara for a place in the final.
Should the pair decide to part ways with BAM, they would not be the first high-profile names to do so.
In 2022, men’s singles ace Lee Zii Jia left the national fold to turn independent. After winning the Asian title that same year, he went on to claim bronze at the Olympics last year.
Two years later, men’s doubles duo Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani followed in his footsteps. They now enjoy a career-high world number two ranking.
It is worth noting that all these players—including independent mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai—are signed under the sports equipment brand Victor. BAM, by contrast, are sponsored by Yonex.
Asked whether BAM would bring forward the much-anticipated meeting to decide the pair’s future—given that the Malaysia Masters begins next week at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil—the source said: “No, the meeting will take place either before the tournament or during the same week. The announcement will follow immediately.”
Meanwhile, men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik also reached the Thailand Open semi-finals today.
The reigning Asian champions overcame national teammates Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and Yap Roy King 21-12, 21-13 in the quarter-finals.
They will next face Thailand’s Kittinupong Kedren and Dechapol Puavaranukroh for a place in the final. — May 16, 2025