Indian Open 2024: Pearly-Thinaah cruise into the quarterfinals
The World No 2 doubles pair Pearly Tan-M Thinaah lived up to their seeding as they stormed into the quarterfinals at the India Open, delivering a clinical performance that underscored their status in women’s doubles. The Malaysian-Malaysian duo dominated the 23rd-ranked French pair Margot Lambert-Camille Pognante with a 21-7, 23-21 victory that took just 30 minutes at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi. This win marks the fourth victory for Pearly-Thinaah over Lambert-Pognante, a line of form that signals their readiness to contend for the title in a crowded field.
What the win means for Pearly-Thinaah
From the opening exchanges, Pearly-Thinaah laid down a statement: their precision, power, and pace were too much for Lambert-Pognante in game one. The duo converted early chances with sharp net play and decisive smashes, folding the French pair under sustained pressure. The opening 7-1 stretch set the tone, and the Malaysians did not let the tempo dip. In badminton, such a one-sided start is crucial for building confidence in the later stages of the match.
Lambert-Pognante, ranked No 23, pushed back in the second game with improved defense and tighter net exchanges. Yet Pearly-Thinaah’s experience in handling pressure helped them navigate a tighter finish. The Indian crowd at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex witnessed a display of technical mastery—stamina, shot selection, and flawless communication between the pair. As the match progressed, the Malaysians showed why they sit at the summit of women’s doubles rankings, converting crucial rallies into points as they sealed the victory in straight sets but with a late challenge from their opponents.
Aaron-Wooi Yik: defending the seed and carrying momentum
Across the arena, fellow Malaysians Aaron-Wooi Yik continued their strong run in men’s doubles, advancing to the quarterfinals with a performance that mirrored the discipline shown by Pearly-Thinaah. The top seeds, known for their aggressive front-court play and cohesive defense, faced a stern test in the early rounds but found solutions quickly, converting key rallies into points and maintaining a robust service game. This progression is significant as the pair chase their first India Open title, leveraging the momentum from a season that has seen them consistently reach the deep rounds in major tournaments.
Why the India Open is shaping up as a crucial leg of the season
The India Open has long been a proving ground for doubles specialists who demand versatility on diverse courts and under varying air conditions. In New Delhi, teams must balance long rallies with explosive finishes, and the doubles field often narrows to the most adaptable combinations. Pearly-Thinaah’s current form, coupled with Aaron-Wooi Yik’s steady ascent, indicates that the tournament may produce some of the season’s most compelling duels in the later rounds.
What fans should watch for in the quarterfinals
Expect precise serving strategies and aggressive returns as the quarterfinals approach. Pearly-Thinaah will likely face a formidable challenge from other top doubles teams capable of exploiting any over-extension or miscommunication. Aaron-Wooi Yik’s path is equally competitive, with potential rematches against tricky pairs who have troubled them in earlier meetings. The Delhi arena, filled with supportive fans, will provide an electric backdrop as elite doubles badminton continues to showcase its depth and dynamism.
Conclusion: momentum and expectations
With both pairs advancing to the quarterfinals, the India Open remains a focal point for doubles specialists seeking critical ranking points and seasonal momentum. Pearly Tan-M Thinaah’s dominance in the first game against Lambert-Pognante demonstrates their readiness to defend their standing at the pinnacle of the sport, while Aaron-Wooi Yik’s continued progress signals a potential deep run that could redefine their season. The stage is set for more high-quality doubles action as the tournament moves toward its final phases.
