KUALA LUMPUR: Former world No 1 Lee Chong Wei said Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah are fast becoming the new face of Malaysian unity.
Yesterday, world No 11 Pearly-Thinaah etched their names into the history books when upsetting two-time world champions Mayu Matsumoto-Wakana Nagahara of Japan to become the first Malaysian women's doubles in history to win the French Open title.
For Pearly-Thinaah, it wasn't just about winning their maiden Super 750 title.
The victory meant a lot more to the duo who had sacrificed much to get to where they are today. From Pearly's hamstring injury in September to Thinaah having to miss celebrating Deepavali again with her family, they had given much to Malaysian badminton.
Chong Wei said to Timesport today: "Both Pearly-Thinaah are the true symbol of Malaysian unity. These girls are something else.
"We're quite close. Pearly messages me from time to time seeking advice and how to manage expectations, while Thinaah met me before going to Europe to drop off some muruku for Deepavali.
"I really have a lot of respect for them and they truly deserve everything they have achieved so far. I wish them all the best and more success in the future."
Three-time Olympic silver medallist Chong Wei also praised the professionalism shown by Pearly-Thinaah in handling the controversial "black and white" racial remark made by Indonesian doubles coach Eng Hian during the French Open.
"In today's social media world, one needs to be mindful and careful with their words and action.
"I know coach Eng Hian meant no harm, and like a gentleman, he had apologised for the slip. This is a lesson for everyone, including myself.
"I take my hat off to Pearly-Thinaah, they did their talking on the court."
Chong Wei said he wants to see Pearly-Thinaah carry their fine form into the Olympic qualifiers in May, and the Asian Games in Hangzhou in September.
He added that if Pearly-Thinaah continue scaling greater heights, he has no doubt that they will do well at the 2024 Paris Olympics.