The world No 18 engaged in a seesaw battle with the Japanese in the decisive game after splitting the first two 16-21 and 21-18. The gutsy Pornthip fought back from a match point down at 20-21 to eventually close out the match 24-22 after 59 minutes.
The 21yearold Chulalongkorn University student finally put an end to her losing streak against Mitani, who had out