Four Malaysian doubles pairs reach French Open semi-finals

Malaysia has a record four doubles pairs in the French Open badminton semi-finals after the quarter-final round at the BWF World Tour Super 750 event. Pearly Tan-M Thinaah remain in contention for a second women’s doubles title, while two Malaysian pairs are through in men’s doubles and one in mixed doubles.

Pearly and Thinaah beat Bulgarian sisters Gabriela Stoeva-Stefani Stoeva 21-12, 21-15 in 39 minutes early this morning. The Malaysians, ranked world No 4, had won the Denmark Open last weekend and are seeking a second consecutive World Tour title.

Women’s doubles title remains in reach

Pearly and Thinaah won the French Open in 2022, becoming the only Malaysian women’s doubles pair to claim the title in the championship’s 117-year history. Their next opponents are Japan’s world No 5 Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakashini in the semi-finals.

The Malaysian pair have won eight of their 10 previous meetings with the Japanese pair. They must win another match to earn a chance at a second French Open crown.

Two men’s pairs advance by different routes

Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzudin Rumsani, ranked world No 5, defeated South Korea’s world No 1 pair Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae 21-15, 21-18 in 36 minutes. It was the Malaysians’ third victory in seven meetings with the Korean pair.

Goh and Nur Izzudin will face Indonesia’s world No 25 Leo Rolly Carnando-Daniel Marthin in the semi-finals. They have won both previous encounters between the pairs.

Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun also advanced, but their quarter-final against compatriots Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik ended after just two minutes. Aaron and Soh, the world No 4 pair, retired while trailing 0-5 in the first game; no official reason was given for their withdrawal.

World No 11 Man and Tee will meet Indonesia’s Raymond Indra-Nikolaus Joaquin, who are ranked three places below them. The Indonesians won the pairs’ only previous meeting.

Mixed doubles pair pursue another first

Hoo Pang Ron-Lai Pei Jing complete Malaysia’s semi-final line-up. After beating higher-ranked opponents in earlier matches, they face China’s world No 6 Guo Xin Wai-Chen Fang Hui today.

No Malaysian pair has won the French Open mixed doubles title since the tournament began in 1909. In men’s doubles, Malaysia is seeking its first title since Gan Teik Chai-Koo Kien Keat won in 2004. Those ambitions, along with Pearly and Thinaah’s bid for another crown, now rest on the semi-finals.