KUALA LUMPUR – Speculation is growing about another potential shake-up in Malaysian badminton following the recent split of the national mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei.
The grapevine suggests that the top women’s doubles pair, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, are exploring opportunities outside the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
A source within the badminton fraternity told Scoop that the duo is rumored to be in discussions with potential sponsors beyond the national setup.
“Nothing is confirmed but there are talks that they are considering options outside BAM,” said the source.
It remains unclear whether Pearly and Thinaah are bound by a long-term contract with BAM or if they are free to take an independent route. Should they choose to leave, they would not be the first top pair to do so.
Last year, the men’s doubles duo Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani left the national team to pursue an independent career after signing with the equipment brand Victor. Since then, they have won several World Tour titles and reached a career-high ranking of world number two.
Pearly and Thinaah were first paired in 2019 and are currently ranked number five in the world.
Their notable achievements include winning three World Tour titles and becoming the first Malaysian women’s doubles pair to reach the semi-finals at the Paris Olympics last year. – April 1, 2025