BIRMINGHAM: What a perfect way it was to end Malaysia's challenge in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
National number one women's doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah stole the show on the final day of the Games as they trounced England's Chloe Birch-Lauren Smith 21-5, 21-8 to deliver the seventh gold for the national contingent here yesterday.
The deafening cheers from the home crowd in the National Exhibition Centre Hall 5 did nothing to rattle Games debutants Pearly-Thinaah as they were simply in their element in the opening game to outplay the English duo 21-5.
Inspired, Pearly-Thinaah continued their crackling performance, including a delicate back-hand return by Thinaah and a flurry of fiery smashes, to rake up the points and seal the gold medal with a 21-8 win in just 33 minutes.
The world number 11 Malaysians then punched the air in delight before going over to hug Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky to celebrate their first ever individual gold in the Games.
Thanks to the heroics of Pearly-Thinaah, Malaysia have now surpassed their six-gold target for Birmingham 2022, thus equalling the seven-gold achievement at the 2018 edition in Gold Coast, Australia.
Earlier, top national men's singles ace Ng Tze Yong went down fighting 21-19, 9-21, 16-21 to India's Lakshya Sen in the final.
Apart from Pearly-Thinaah's gold and Tze Yong's silver today, the national badminton squad had won their first gold with a 3-1 win over India in the mixed team final on Tuesday (Aug 2).
Malaysian shuttlers also chipped in with two bronze medals yesterday (Aug 7) through Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in men's doubles and Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing in mixed doubles.
Aaron-Wooi Yik were taken to the limit by compatriots Kian Meng-Chan Peng Soon 21-19, 11-21, 21-11 in the men's doubles third-placing match.
Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing, meanwhile, downed Scotland's Adam Hall-Julie Macpherson 21-15, 21-17 to take home the mixed doubles bronze.
As such, the national contingent capped their Birmingham 2022 campaign with seven golds, eight silvers and eight bronzes.
The closing ceremony of the 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games will be held at the Alexander Stadium, Perry Barr, here, at 8 pm local time (3 am Aug 9 Malaysian time).
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Aug 09 2022
Women's doubles players M Thinaah and Pearly Tan won the nation's seventh gold medal after defeating England's doubles pair in the badminton final during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at the National Exhibition Center. - BERNAMA
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.