It was not only won on the eve of the International Women’s Day but also just a week before Pearly turns 21 on March 14.

The unseeded pair upset several more fancied opponents en route to becoming the first Malaysian women’s doubles combination to win a World Tour crown in over two years, after Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean claimed the Syed Modi International Badminton Championships in November 2018.

Boosted by the victory, 23-year-old Thinaah said they would be facing future tournaments, including the All-England from March 17 to 21, with more determination.

“This is a great win because it helps build our confidence and motivation to move forward for future tournaments,” she said in a video posted on the Badminton Association of Malaysia Facebook page.

For former World Junior Championship silver medallist Pearly, it was a very special early birthday present.

“The first World Tour title is really special and means a lot to us,” she said.

She too was looking to bigger things ahead.

“No athlete should feel contented at becoming champions just once. We need to stay consistent and continue winning more.”

Pearly and Thinaah created history as the first Malaysians to win a women’s title at the Swiss Open after defeating world No 14 and third seeds Gabriela Stoeva-Stefani Stoeva of Bulgaria 21-19, 21-12 in their first ever World Tour final at St Jakobshalle, Basel.

It was a major breakthrough for Pearly-Thinaah in their senior career, after having won the less prestigious Bangladesh International Challenge and India International Challenge titles in 2019 prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pearly, and Thinaah, 23, also stunned national team seniors Mei Kuan-Meng Yean 10-21, 21-14, 21-16 in the semifinals on Saturday.

Thinaah, who has been given a new lease of life in women’s double after making little headway in the singles department, was especially happy.

“I am surprised by the progress I have made so far with Pearly. I won’t rest on my laurels. There will be more to come from me and Pearly,” she vowed.