PEARLY Tan-M.Thinaah may be on cloud nine after winning the Swiss Open title on Sunday, but the national women's doubles have not forgotten their humble beginnings.
The World No 30, who are expected to move up the updated rankings this week, took time to pay tribute to their former coaches, Rosman Razak and Wong Pei Tty, whose services were not extended by BAM last year.
Speaking to Timesport from Basel, Thinaah, who only made the switch to the doubles in 2019, said: "Honestly, coach Rosman was my inspiration when everything around me was crumbling.
"I was lost and didn't know what to do when my singles career was going nowhere.
"Coach Rosman was the one who gave me the chance and decided to try me out as a doubles player.
"He was very patient with me and for that, I am very grateful to him. I cannot thank him enough."
Pearly, who was already making waves as a junior player with former partner Toh Ee Wei, also spoke highly of Rosman and Pei Tty.
The 20-year-old has made a smooth transition to the senior squad under the guidance of Rosman and Pei Tty.
In fact, just months after being paired with Thinaah, the duo went on to clinch three titles: the Malaysia International Series, India and Bangladesh International Challenges.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank coach Rosman, especially because he is the one who paired me up with Thinaah and gave us the chance to play in many tournaments to gain experience.
"I really want to thank him and also coach Pei Tty because not only did they give us the opportunity, but they truly believed in both of us," added Pearly, who with Thinaah, are currently under women's doubles head coach, Chan Chong Ming.
On Sunday, the No 2 pair made sure Malaysia did not return empty handed when they defeated Bulgarian sister pair and World No 14, Gabriela-Stefani Stoeva 21-19, 21-12 in the final at St Jakobshalle for their first World Tour title.
Pearly-Thinaah, tipped to be the next big stars in Malaysian women's doubles, will compete in the All England in Birmingham on March 17-22.