Injured Ratchanok stages dramatic rally to stay alive in world champs
Former champion Ratchanok Intanon fought back from a game and 19-16 down to beat the European Championships bronze medalist Dane Mia Blichfedlt 16-21 22-20 21-10 in second round of the World Championships in Nanjing on Tuesday.
Playing her first tournament in three weeks after sustaining a back injury, the 2013 champion Ratchanok was kept at bay by a series of powerful smashes from the world No 19 before she staged a comeback late in the second game.
“I made way too many errors, hitting a lot of shots out as I tried to maximize my effort. Luckily I was quite focused at the end of the second game and fought my way back from there,” said the world No 4.
At 18-16 down in the second game, the Thai star lunged for a shot at the baseline and sprained her right ankle.
She had it sprayed and went on to stage an admirable comeback to level the tie before winning the decider with something to spare.
“I was a bit scared at the beginning but I pulled it off. I have the ankle covered with ice now. After a rest on Wednesday I should be ready for the next match on Thursday,” added the Thai star.
Next up is old rival Senah Newal of India, who trounced Aliye Demirbag of Turkey 21-7 21-8.
“It will be another tough match but I will give my all to produce good results in this tournament. There’s nothing to worry about with the ankle,” she said.
However, Thai No 4 Busanan Ongbamrungphan went out in round two, losing 21-9 21-8 to 2014-15 champion Carolina Marin of Spain.
In the mixed doubles, Dechapol Puavaranokroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai beat Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei Jing of Malaysia 21-12 21-15.
In the men’s singles first round, Suppanyu Avihingsanon lost to 12th seeded Anthony Sinisuka Ginting of Indonesia 21-12 21-14, while Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk had to retire from his match with Anders Antonsen of Denmark due to injury.
