KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 -- National women's doubles stars Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah might have played their final tournament under the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) at the Sudirman Cup, with their contract status still unresolved.

The world No. 5 pair have yet to renew their deal with BAM, fuelling speculation that they may soon turn independent, The Star reported today, citing unnamed sources saying the duo are in discussions with sponsors outside the national set-up.

Malaysia's Sudirman Cup campaign ended last Friday with a 0-3 loss to hosts China in the quarter-finals.

Pearly-Thinaah did not take to the court, as earlier defeats in mixed doubles, men's singles, and women's singles sealed the result.

Earlier in the group stage...