Ratchanok is playing in her second straight Super Series event after beating Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in three tough games for her sixth Super Series title last week. She will face Busanan Ongbamrungphan, a 21-8 21-10 winner over Yip Pui Yin of Hong Kong,in round two today.
In the men's singles first round, Thai No 2 Khosit Phetpradab sqaundered a 19-17 lead in the final game before losing to Thailand Open champion Sai Praneeth of India 13-21 23-21 19-21.