'Too early, too risky': Rosman explains decision to pull Pearly-Thinaah out

 

Women’s doubles head coach Rosman Razak admitted it was a painful but necessary decision to withdraw Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah from the Malaysia Masters, insisting he could not afford to gamble with the former’s recovery from a recurring back injury. - NSTP pic

KUALA LUMPUR: Women's doubles head coach Rosman Razak admitted it was a painful but necessary decision to withdraw Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah from the Malaysia Masters, insisting he could not afford to gamble with the former's recovery from a recurring back injury.

Despite signs of improvement and the pair's eagerness to compete in front of home fans, Rosman said the risk of rushing Pearly back into action was simply too great ahead of a packed run of major tournaments.

The world No. 2 officially pulled out of the Super 500 event, which begins at the Unifi Arena on Tuesday, dealing a major blow to Malaysia's hopes in the women's doubles.

"As everyone already knows, Pearly suffered a back injury that forced her to miss the recent Uber Cup in order to fully focus on her recovery process," said Rosman.

"Her recovery has shown very positive progress and Pearly herself had a strong desire to compete in this year's Malaysia Masters.

"Although the recovery process is going well, as her coach, I feel it is still too early and we do not want to take a big risk, especially with many major tournaments coming up after this."

Rosman said the decision was made after discussions with coaching director Rexy Mainaky, with both agreeing that Pearly's long-term condition had to take priority over a rushed return at home.

The signs had already emerged on Monday when Pearly-Thinaah skipped the official practice session at the Unifi Arena.

"After discussions with Rexy Mainaky, we decided that Pearly-Thinaah will not compete in this tournament.

"It was a difficult decision, especially with the pair eager to compete in front of home supporters at the Unifi Arena," he added.

The withdrawal is another frustrating setback for Pearly-Thinaah, who had opened their season strongly by finishing runners-up at the Indonesia Masters and reaching the semi-finals of the All England in March.

Their absence also means Malaysia's wait for a women's doubles title at the Malaysia Masters will continue, with Pearly-Thinaah seen as the country's best chance to end the drought dating back to Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui's triumph in 2012.

Rosman also revealed that the pair's participation in the Singapore Open from May 26-31 and the Indonesia Open from June 2-7 remains uncertain.

"Pearly-Thinaah's participation in the Singapore and Indonesia Opens is also uncertain as it will depend on Pearly's condition and fitness level.

"We hope all fans will continue to pray for Pearly's full recovery so that she can return stronger," he said. - NST