Against all the odds, Nong May sends Thai pride soaring
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Before entering the Denmark Open, Thai badminton star Ratchanok Intanon said lifting the trophy would be an extremely difficult feat to achieve, but she would try her best to make Thailand proud and also dedicate any success she won to HM the late King Bhumibol and the country’s current King.
She did just that.
Ratchanok, currently ranked No 9 in the world, romped her way to the title by defeating opponents who are higher than her in the world rankings.
On Friday, she knocked out third seed Sung Ji-hyun of South Korea in straight sets, 21-13, 21-18. On Saturday, she stunned world No 1 Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan, 21-14, 20-22, 20-14.
And on Sunday, she beat world No 5 and titleholder Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, 14-21, 21-15, 21-19 in the final to lift the Denmark Open Women’s Singles trophy.
The last game of this showdown was exceptionally tense and dramatic, with Ratchanok coming from behind (16-19) and winning five consecutive points to clinch the trophy.
Congratulations, Nong May, Thais are truly proud of you!
Vint Chavala
