Ratchanok is so much at home in Malaysia
MALAYSIA seems to be a favourite hunting ground for Thailand’s world No. 4 Ratchanok Intanon.
The 23-year-old, fondly known as May, has twice tasted success here, winning the 2016 Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open and the Malaysian Masters in January.
And she’s going great guns again this week after beating compatriot Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-15, 21-16 to cruise into the women’s singles semi-finals of the Malaysian Open yesterday.
So, what’s her secret to success here?
“Home comfort,” said the 2013 world champion.
“As Thailand and Malaysia are neighbouring countries, it feels just like home here. When you you’re comfortable, you tend to play well.”
Prior to her win over Pornpawee, Ratchanok also defeated Nitchaon Jindapol in the second round.
“The last two rounds were a little awkward because I had to beat my ‘sisters’ to reach this stage,” said Ratchanok.
“But having three Thai representatives in the last 16 speaks a lot about the strength of our women’s singles department,” she said.
Ratchanok’s first real test begins today when she meets world No. 8 He Bingjiao of China, whom she has lost in all three previous encounters.
Meanwhile, Goh Jin Wei’s superb run ended as she found world No. 1 Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan too hot to handle in yesterday’s quarter-finals.
The 18-year-old Jin Wei caught the defending champion off guard when she raced to a 5-0 lead and stretched the lead to 11-6.
But defending champion Tzuying turned the tide to her favour to level the score at 12-12 and went on to seal the opening game at 21-15. Jin Wei tried to put up a fight in the second game but Tzu-ying proved she was class above.
Said Jin Wei: “She’s extremely fast and accurate. She dictated the game and made it very difficult for me.”
“Playing against her for the first time was an eye opening experience. She has set the benchmark that I would like to reach one day.
“The gap is massive now but I believe I can be as good as her. I’ll work hard to get there.”