Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah conjured up one of the biggest upsets at the Toyota Thailand Open as the Malaysian duo came good against South Koreans Chang Ye-na-Kim Hye-rin to win 16-21, 21-15, 27-25 in the women’s doubles.

The 87-minute victory was a topsy-turvy affair, as the national pair recovered from a set down to level the second set 21-15 before the nerve-biting decider.

It was a powerful performance from the world number 39, who gave it everything they had. Even though they surrendered three match points, they kept their cool to convert at the fourth time of asking for a huge victory.

“It was really unexpected. The first game we knew we’d be under pressure as they were on the attack and we couldn’t break through their defence. We got into the rhythm by the second game, and the most important thing was that we believed in each other,” said Thinaah after the win.

Tan added communication was key in their victory.

The pair, who made the Yonex Thailand Open quarter-finals last week, play French pair Vimala Heriau-Margot Lambert next for a place in the last eight.

Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean also made the next round after overcoming Canadians Rachel Honderich-Kristen Tsai 21-17, 21-16, taking on Australians Setyana Mapasa-Gronya Somerville next.

Liew Daren, did not have to play in the men’s singles after his opponent B. Sai Praneeth tested positive for COVID-19 and conceded a walkover, faces Praneeth’s teammate H.S. Prannoy in the last-16 on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing crashed out in the mixed doubles after a 21-14, 15-21, 19-21 loss to English duo Marcus Ellis-Lauren Smith.