Shuttlers assured of bronze
The Thai women’s badminton team have been assured of a bronze medal after beating Taiwan 3-0 in the quarterfinals yesterday.
The Thais, led by world No.4 Ratchanok Intanon, will take on China today for a place in the final.
There are no third-place play-offs in the team events with the losing semi-finalists sharing the bronze.
In yesterday’s action, Ratchanok beat top-ranked Tai Tzu-ying 21-18, 21-18 in the opening singles.
World No.7 Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai defeated No.26 Hsu Ya-ching Wu Ti-jung 22-20, 19-21, 21-13 in the doubles.
In the second singles, world No.11 Nitchaon Jindapol saw off No.29 Pai Yu-po 21-18, 21-16.
Thailand stunned China in the Uber Cup semi-finals in Bangkok earlier this year and they believe they can beat the Chinese again.
“I will try to win the opening singles [against China] so that my teammates can play with less pressure,” said Ratchanok.
Rawinda said: “We are ready for China. We believe that we can reach the final.”
LUKSIKA ELIMINATED
In tennis, Thailand No.1 Luksika Kumkhum, who was seeded third, was stunned by unseeded Chong Eudice Wong of Hong Kong 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 6-7 (1/7) in her opening match in the women’s singles yesterday.
“I had a disappointing performance. I made a lot of mistakes while the opponent played very well,” said Luksika. “I will do my
best in the team and mixed doubles event.”
Luksika was runner-up in the singles and won gold in the doubles at the 2014 Asian Games.