Ratchanok's title defence campaign crumbles in Singapore
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Ratchanok Intanon’s hope to defend her title in Singapore collapsed on Wednesday after she was upset by Japanese Sayaka Sato 8-21 18-21 in the opening round of the QUE Singapore Open.
The former world No 1 just beat the 19th ranked opponent 21-18 21-10 last week in Malaysia also in the first round. She also prevailed in their first meet this year in the All England Open.
Ratchanok’s surprise defeat followed the loss of Thai No 3 Nitchaon Jindapol who was sent packing by world No 1 Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan 10-21 21-19.
However, in the men’s singles first round eighth seed Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk cleared his first hurdle with a 21-18 21-8 win over Wei Feng Chong of Malaysia.
Last night, Thai mixed doubles pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai upended second seeded Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir of Indonesia 21-14 21-16.
