THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Take note: Nitchaon cannot forget gameplan

Take note: Nitchaon cannot forget gameplan

World No 14 Nitchaon Jindapol will set out to defend her crown in the Princess Sirivannavari Thailand Masters which starts in Bangkok on Tuesday after a month working with new singles coach Agus Dwi Santosa.


The former Indonesian star has been hired by Badminton Association of Thailand president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul to help sharpen the skills of the Kingdom’s singles players and follows the arrival of countryman Rexy Mainaky, who has been coaching the doubles players here since 2017.
Nitchaon says she had learned new techniques from Santosa and felt ready for the BWF season-opener, which takes place at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium until Sunday.
“The coach helps us to build a positive attitude and confidence in our potential,” said 27-year-old Nitchaon who will in action for the first time since reaching the quarter-finals at the Korea Masters in November.
“ He even makes us take notes, which helps us absorb things he taught. That helps us remember what we have to do on court, which is very effective,” added Nitchaon.
The defending champion leads Thai hopes to win a tournament which will not feature world No 8 Ratchanok Intanon, who has opted to start her year in Malaysia next week. 
Other local favourites in the singles draw are world No 22 Pornpawee Chochuwong and 2017 champion Busanan Ongbamrungphan.
Nitchaon will start her match on Wednesday against a qualifier, with a possible match with former World Junior Championships silver medalist Fritiani Fritiani of Indonesia to follow in round two.

 

nationthailand