Thai hopes depend on doubles at Malaysia Open
It was left up to two doubles partnerships to keep the Thai flag flying in the Malaysia Open on Friday after Ratchanok Intanon exited in the quarter-finals.
The mixed doubles pairing of Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai beat Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith of England 21-14 21-12 and in the women’s doubles, Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai reached the semis with a 21-18 10-21 21-18 win over Baek Ha Na and Kim Hye Rin of South Korea.
The Kingdom’s interest in the singles ended, however, as Thai No 1 Ratchanok was stopped by world No 1 Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan 21-19 21-13 and Pornpawee Chochuwong narrowly lost to former world No 1 Akane Yamaguchi 21-10 7-21 21-19.
