Have Yuki-Mayu overtaken Pearly-Thinaah? [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah's defensive frailties once again came into focus as the world No. 2 were outplayed by Japan's Yuki Fukushima-Mayu Matsumoto in the semi-finals of the India Open today.

The Malaysians fell 21-16, 21-13 to the world No. 6 Japanese at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex as Yuki-Mayu's attacking exposed gaps at the backcourt.

Thinaah admitted that they struggled to cope with their opponents' pace and intensity, particularly during rallies.

"The opponents really pressured us in attack and our defence wasn't really solid, so that's something we need to take note of, especially when they play a faster game," said Thinaah in a post-match interview.

Despite producing flashes of quality, Pearly-Thinaah were often forced into passive positions, allowing Yuki-Mayu

to dictate play with sharp angles and quick interceptions at the net.

Thinaah said the defeat was not down to external factors, dismissing any suggestion that playing conditions played a role.

"The draught didn't affect us too much, so it wasn't a big issue," she said.

Pearly allayed concerns over her physical condition after a slip during the match, insisting it was nothing serious.

In the second game, Pearly lunged to retrieve the shuttle but her right foot slipped, and she stayed down. She carried on after receiving medical attention.

While Pearly-Thinaah still lead the head-to-head 5-4 against Yuki-Mayu, the balance has shifted in recent months, with the Japanese pair now winning their last three meetings, including the match in New Delhi.

Thinaah acknowledged that confidence in shot selection was also lacking, compounding their defensive problems.

She added that they need to improve their understanding on court as the opponents were able to read their game more effectively.

"We need to be more solid and more confident in the shots we play. Our partnership, communication and rotation play are areas we need to work on."

Pearly-Thinaah's next mission is the Indonesia Masters next week.