Malaysian fans have been left dismayed by the recent events of the Japan Open, but none more so than shuttler Pearly Tan (陈康乐). The 22-year-old had been giving her all with her partner Thinaah Muralitharan when she sustained a severe injury.
Although Pearly tried to continue the fight, she had to bow out after the injury left her in tears. The scene left many concerned, worried and wondering if continuing had been a good idea. However, Pearly later updated about her condition on her socials and explained the decision to continue had been hers and hers alone.
Pearly and Thinnah had been in a match against South Korean shuttlers Lee Yu Lim and Baek Ha Na when she got injured. At the time, the duo had clinched one set and were leading in the second. However, during the game, Pearly landed awkwardly on her left knee and had to call for a time-out. She was seen to by medical personnel who gave her the green light to continue.
Although the duo did their best, their opponents soon dominated and nabbed the second set. Pearly and Thinnah tried to regain their momentum in the third game, but Pearly was clearly struggling to keep the pain at bay. Eventually, it got to be too much, and Malaysia’s women doubles team had to retire. Fans were left heartbroken as Pearly sobbed in pain while Thinnah comforted her partner, before she was taken off the court.
The duo later took to their socials to clarify and explained their decision to continue. “It’s solely my decision to continue playing even when my coaches wanted me to stop,” Pearly stated in her Instagram Story. “I hope my stubbornness will not (cause) any misunderstandings.”
She was backed by Thinnah who added in her own IG Story: “It was our decision to keep playing the match, please don’t blame anyone for our decision.” Thinnah stated that their coaches had advised them to stop. But, the duo had been determined to “move on and keep giving (their) best”.
The two also acknowledged everything their partner had done mid-match to keep them going. “Sorry and thank you to my partner Thinaah (for) fighting so hard for us. I know you did your very best to cover me,” Pearly said. Thinaah also admitted she felt she “couldn’t do much to cover (Pearly)” and apologised for it. However, neither of them is ready to let the outcome take them down. Both have promised that they will return stronger than ever.
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Pearly has also stated that she will be returning to Malaysia soon to seek treatment. Fans have since declared their support for both Pearly and Thinaah, with many wishing the former a speedy recovery. Others have also urged Pearly and the rest of the athletes to take care of themselves first and foremost.
We sincerely hope Pearly will recover well before she challenges their next tournament. In the meantime, not all is grey. World Championship title holders Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik returned yesterday triumphantly with Aaron announcing his wedding.
Oh my goodness. How can u endure that pain Pearly. 😭😭😭😭Hearing she crying like that. My heart just 💔😭😭. Its ok Pearly. #JapanOpen2022 pic.twitter.com/OudlTynI0G
— MissDian_55 (@missdian_55) September 1, 2022
Sources: Twitter (1)(2)(3), New Straits Times
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