Tanongsak off to great start in title defence
Top seed Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk led the Thai charge into round two of the SCG Thailand Open at the Nimibutr National Stadium on Tuesday.
The world No 11 kicked off his title defence in style, beating Matej Hlinican of the Slovak Republic 21-16 21-12 in just 29 minutes to set up a second round date with India’s Pratul Joshi today.
Thailand’s No 2 and 3 Khosit Phetpradab and Suppanyu Avihingsanon also emulated Tanongsak by successfully reserved their spots in round two. Khosit, seeded 15th, fought back from a game down to beat Chinese Sun Feixiang 16-21 21-17 21-18 21-4 21-13 .
The country’s No 3 Suppanyu, the 16th seed, moved past Rahul Yadev Chittaboina of India 21-15 21-17.
Two young guns also moved on in contrastive styles. Kantaphon Wangcharoen, finalist in the February’s Thailand Masters at this stadium, easily trounced Arun Kumar Ashok Kumar of India 21-10 21-8.
Pannawit Thongnuam who just celebrated his first Challenge title in Trang last month rallied back from five point margin to beat former top 30 player Chun Seang Tan 13-21 21-13 21-17.
The women’s actions start today with former winner and top seed Ratchanok Intanon taking on Ritupama Das of India.
Busanan Ongbamrungphan, the fourth seed, is seeking back-to-back home titles after she lifted up the Thailand Masters in February. She is to face Rusydina Antardayu Riodingin of Indonesia this morning.
