Ratchanok and Momota bag Indian Open titles

NEW DELHI, April 3, (AFP): Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand pulled off an upset win over China’s reigning Olympic champion Li Xuerui to clinch the Indian Open super series title in New Delhi on Sunday.

The world number five Ratchanok, 21, held her nerve in the women’s singles final at the Siri Fort stadium, thrashing the world number two 2117, 21-18 in straight games.

In the men’s singles final, secondseeded Kento Momota of Japan pocketed the title with a 21-15, 21-18 win over Denmark’s rising star Viktor Axelsen.

Li, seeded third, tried to put up a fight but could do little to stop the Thai sensation who unleashed cracking shots on her way to a memorable win, having lost in the final last year at the same venue.

“Li has good skills, she is a very attacking player,” an elated Ratchanok said after the match.

“I had to prepare well for this match. My idea was not to make mistakes. My concentration was Japan’s Kento Momota poses with the trophy after winning the men’s final singles match against Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen at India Open 2016 badminton tournament in New Delhi on April 3.

good.

“I kept telling myself that it is one more point and I should not commit errors.”

The Indian challenge had ended Saturday with the shock ouster of defending champion Saina Nehwal at the hands of Li in a thrilling semifinal.