Suppanyu finds peace of mind through Buddhist teaching
Thai No 3 player Suppanyu Avihingsanon said learning Buddhist teaching on youtube helped him improve his performance as he upset fifth seeded Kenta Nishimoto of Japan 21-19 21-16 to reach his first semi-final on Super 500 in the Thailand Open on Friday.
The 28-year-old from Bangkok who has never won a title on the world tour displayed impressive form to stun the world No 14 in front of the cheerful crowds at the Nimibutr National Stadium.
The 31st ranked Thai said he has recently practiced meditation and listening to Dhamma teaching on youtube which has paid dividends as she has shown steady improvement on the circuit.
“I always fixed things the wrong way. When I lost I tried to work on my techniques or fitness condition but apparently that didn’t solve the problem,” Suppanyu told The Nation.
“So I changed my approach to Buddhist teaching on youtube. I have found a peace one mind and it really helps me in terms of my mental strengths in matches,” added Suppanyu whose best result by day is a finalist in a Super 100 event (formerly known as Grand Prix level).
Suppanyu will play Tommy Suguarto of Indonesia who underlined his supremacy over Thai No 1 Kantaphon Wangcharoen with a third straight win over the local teenager in the singles semi-finals on Saturday.
Rawinda and Jongkolphan
Thailand also had some more good news in the women’s doubles as Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai upset world No 1 Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota of Japan 21-13 14-21 21-12 while Maneepong Jongjit and Bodin Issara beat Malaysian Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik 21-14 21-12.
Bodin and Maneepong
