Pearly Tan targets a comeback at the Malaysia Masters after recovering from a back muscle tear that kept her out of the 2026 Uber Cup.
PEARLY Tan, sidelined from the 2026 Uber Cup by injury, is eyeing a return at the Malaysia Masters from May 19 to 24 at Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil.
Pearly said her recovery has progressed well after three weeks of treatment, in fact, she is now pain-free and back in phased training.
“I feel very relieved as I am no longer in pain and my condition is improving. My focus now is to gradually return to training in a phased manner,” she told reporters at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara, here today.
Pearly confirmed the injury was a back muscle tear, an issue that has affected her before and that she is taking a cautious approach to recovery.
“It’s a back injury, a muscle tear. I suffered a very serious injury three years ago. The decision (to withdraw from the Uber Cup) was not mine alone. After discussions with doctors and my family, they were very worried because it involves the back, which is more complex than an ankle injury.
“I almost reached a point where I couldn’t play anymore. So, this time around, I have to be very cautious,” she said.
Tan said it was disappointing to watch the Uber Cup from the sidelines, but seeing the younger players perform motivated her.
She praised the junior pairs for their strong performances, saying Malaysia has the depth to compete internationally.
“It was definitely sad not being with the team, but watching the juniors perform made me feel proud and even more spirited. They showed that we have a bright future,” she said.
Pearly added that the emergence of new challengers is not a threat, but rather a catalyst for her and partner M. Thinaah to continue elevating their game.
