Source: Visual China Group/Lu Lin/CHINASPORTS/VCG
[Saba Sports News] Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair, Tan Pearly and Thinaah Muralitharan, have not yet renewed their contracts with the national team. In response, a press officer for the Malaysian Badminton Association revealed that after the Thailand Open Badminton Championships next week (May 13-18), they must decide whether to remain part of the national team or become freelance athletes. Since their contract expired last December, negotiations between them and the Malaysian Badminton Association have reached an impasse. Reports suggest the duo requested better conditions to continue under the national setup; otherwise, they are likely to turn professional. Datuk V. Subramaniam, the first vice president of the Malaysian Badminton Association, confirmed that they will meet after the Thailand Open to resolve this issue, marking their last chance for negotiation. It is understood that the association has presented a new contract proposal, but neither party has accepted or signed it, with the amount being repeatedly revised. Datuk Subramaniam warned players against using contract negotiations as leverage or pressuring the association, emphasizing that such behavior could set a bad precedent.