KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are rallying behind badminton pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah after their defeat in the finals of the Malaysia Masters today.
Playing in front of a near-capacity crowd at the Axiata Arena, the world No 11 lost to to South Korea's Baek Ha Na-Lee So Hee 22-20, 8-21, 21-17 in the women's doubles decider.
A video posted by the BA of Malaysia (BAM) on its Facebook saw a visibly crushed Tan being comforted by former World No. 1 shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei.
The video found its way on Instagram and spurred a lot of comments from netizens who praised Tan and Thinaah for their fighting spirit during the finals.
Instagram user @hamisahz said: "We cried too just now not because they lost the match, but because we could feel the girls' disappointment. @thinaah_m @__pearlytan Thank you."
Netizen @cerohhh_ said: "Don't cry @__pearlytan you and @thinaah_m did well. Heads up and come back stronger. Rest well."
Social media user @jammchao said the duo showed tremendous fighting spirit and they should be proud for giving their all in the match.
"You guys have done amazingly. Fight till max and thank you for your fighting spirit. Malaysia Boleh."
Positive messages and words of encouragement continued to pour on BAM's Instagram, thanking the duo for trying their best.