PEARLY Tan is closing in on a timely return to competition at the Malaysia Masters from May 19-24 after nearly a month out with a back injury.

NATIONAL doubles head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi has defended the decision to split established pairings during the Thomas Cup, despite the tactical gamble resulting in a quarter-final exit.

LEE Zii Jia’s rise in the latest world rankings offers a timely lift, but the former All England champion still faces a tough path breaking back into the main draws of the World Tour.