Nitchaon targets more glory
Nitchaon Jindapol will try to win back-toback titles at this week’s Malaysia Open.
The 26-year-old from Phuket has been in good form since late last year, winning two titles at the Bitburger Open in Germany in November and the Princess Sirivannavari Thailand Masters on Sunday.
The world No.13 beat compatriot Pornpawee Chochuwong in Sunday’s final for the women’s singles title.
Nitchaon should have few problems in the first round in Malaysia as she will face a qualifier, but world No.23 Pornpawee will start against No.12 Sayaka Sato.
Meanwhile, No.5 Ratchanok Intanon will also begin her 2018 campaign in Kuala Lumpur.
The 22-year-old, who did not play at last week’s Thailand Masters, will take on No.24 Fitriani Fitriani of Indonesia.
“I am well-prepared and have been training hard for the new season,” Ratchanok said.
She will play over three consecutive weeks in Malaysia, Indonesia and India.
“I have set a higher target for this year because I am now fit after nagging injuries last year,” said the 2013 world champion.
Ratchanok has enjoyed a good run since late last year when she won the Denmark Open in October and reached the semifinals of the BWF World Superseries Finals last month.
Meanwhile, Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand, said officials from the Badminton World Federation praised the BAT for organising the Thailand Masters in a befitting manner.
She added that it was a good start to 2018 for Thai badminton as its players won a record three titles at the Thailand Masters.