PETALING JAYA, July 14 — Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah suffered a shock early exit at the Japan Open, falling to lower‑ranked Taiwanese duo Hsu Yin Hui and Lin Jhih Yun in their opening match, according to details from the page .
The world No. 5 Malaysians were beaten 21–17, 17–21, 17–21 in a 50‑minute battle at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium — their first loss to the Taiwanese pair in four meetings. Pearly–Thinaah, runners‑up at last year’s edition, have struggled to regain momentum this season, winning only one title from nine World Tour tournaments. Pearly’s injury in April, which sidelined her from several events, has further disrupted their rhythm.
Malaysia endured a rough day across the board. In the men’s doubles, world No. 19 Wan Arif Wan Junaidi–Yap Roy King were ousted by American pair Chen Zhi Yi–Presley Smith 24–26, 15–21, 18–21 in 62 minutes. The US duo are ranked nine spots below them.
Mixed doubles also saw early exits. Chen Tang Jie–Clarissa San, pairing for the first time after Toh Ee Wei’s surgery, lost 15–21, 19–21 to Taiwan’s Yang Po Hsuan–Hu Ling Fang. Wong Tien Ci–Lim Chiew Sien were defeated 13–21, 18–21 by China’s Guo Xin Wa–Chen Fang Hui.
In women’s singles, Wong Ling Ching bowed out to India’s PV Sindhu, losing 14–21, 11–21 in 35 minutes.
