Swiss trophy gives Sapsiree high hopes
Thai star Sapsiree Taerattanachai is targeting world top-five spots in both the mixed and women’s doubles rankings.
Partnering Dechapol Puavaranukroh, Sapsiree won the mixed doubles title at the Swiss Open on Sunday.
The third-seeded pair beat secondranked Praveen Jordan and Debby Susanto of Indonesia 21-18, 21-15 in the final in Basel.
The Thai duo returned to Bangkok yesterday.
“This is my first mixed doubles win after three runner-up places. It helps boost my confidence for the next tournaments,” Sapsiree said.
“I did very well in Switzerland. We beat the world’s top and second-ranked teams. I feel confident that I can play against top players.
“Teaming up with Puttita [Supajirakul], I also reached the quarter-finals in the women’s doubles.
“I have fared well in these two categories and will focus on both. My target is to reach the world top five in both events. I will also try to get enough points to play at the World Superseries Finals.”
Sapsiree and Dechapol are 11th in the mixed doubles rankings, while she and Puttita are No.10 in the women’s doubles.
Coach Tesana Phanvisavas said Sapsiree and Dechapol had only played together for a short period and needed more time to gel.
Dechapol said: “I am happy that I finally won a title after three finals without a win. We still have to improve our partnership because sometimes we do not understand each other.”
The pair will next play in three consecutive Superseries events beginning with the Indian Open from March 28-Arpil 2.
Several other Thai players will also play in the Superseries events including Ratchanok Intanon, who was runner-up at the All England Open earlier this month.