Shuttlers line up China in last 8
The Thai women’s team will battle it out against China in the quarter-finals of the Asia Team Championships today.
The Thai team edged hosts Malaysia 3-2 yesterday for their third successive win in Group Y while China lost to Indonesia 3-2 to finish runners-up in Group Z.
The other three quarter-final match-ups today see Japan take on Taiwan, Indonesia play India and Malaysia meet South Korea.
With the score tied 2-2 yesterday, Busanan Ongbamrungphan silenced the home crowd with a tough 23-21, 22-20 win over Lim Yin Fun in the fifth rubber.
Nitchaon Jindapol gave Thailand the lead with a 21-14, 21-15 win over Soniia Cheah, but Vivian Hoo and Tee Jing Yi battled past Chayanit Chaladchalom and Phataimas Muenwong 21-19, 16-21, 21-15 to even the tie.
Pornpawee Chochuwong downed Goh Jin Wei 21-19, 21-17 to put Thailand ahead once again. However Chow Mei Kuan and Goh Yea Ching defeated Puttita Supajirakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai 21-15, 21-15 to send the tie to the fifth rubber.
Meanwhile the men’s team eased past Myanmar 5-0 for their second win in Group C, making amends for their 3-2 loss to Taiwan on Wednesday night.
Thailand raced to an unbeatable 3-0 lead with singles victories from Khosit Phetpradap, Suppanyu Avihingsanon and Pannawit Thongnuam.
Inkarat Apisuk and Maneepong Jongjit added the fourth point for the team after beating Aung Myo Htoo and Chan Win Oo 21-12, 21-14 before Tinn Isriyanet and Kittisak Namdash wrapped things up with a 21-11, 21-16 win over Arkar Phone Myat and Hein Si Thu Toe.
The men’s quarter-final draw was due to be made late last night.
RATCHANOK’S TARGET
Ratchanok Intanon is hoping to finally win the elusive All England Open title next month after twice losing in the final.
The Thai world No.3 is currently taking some time off after a busy start to the season.
Ratchanok, who lost the 2013 and 2017 Birmingham finals, will be keen to continue her good run of form which has seen her win the Malaysia Masters and reach the semis at the Indonesia Masters and India Open.