Dechaphol/Sapsiree book Thai Open semi, Ratchanok faces world No 2
Thai world No 1 pairing Dechaphol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai face the No 4 duo from China in the Thailand Open mixed doubles semi-final on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Thai ace Ratchanok “May” Intanon must beat the women’s world No 2 to earn a shot at her home title.
Dechaphol and Sapsiree booked their berth in the last four with a 21-15, 21-18 victory over Japan’s Kyohei Yamashita and Naru Shinoya (No 33) at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani on Friday.
The Thai super-duo will take on Wang Yilyu and Huang Dongpiang on Saturday, looking for revenge after the Chinese pairing eliminated Thailand’s Supak Jomkoh and Supissara Paewsampran with a 21-16, 21-15 win on Friday.
Meanwhile, Thai world No 8 Ratchanok faces a fearsome challenge to her title hopes after annihilating Denmark’s 22-ranked Line Christophersen 21-8, 21-8 in their women’s singles quarter-final.
The Thai ace must beat world No 2 Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan today for a place in Sunday’s final.
The Super 500 tournament offers total prize money of US$360,000 (12 million baht).
The finals will be held on Sunday.
Photographs by Wanchai Kraisornkhajit #NationPhoto
