FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Busanan on fire in Thailand Masters

Busanan on fire in Thailand Masters

2017 champion Busanan Ongbamrungphan eyes on reclaiming her Princess Sirivannavari Thailand Masters crown after she routed out countrywoman Pornpawee Chochuwong in the semi-finals at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium on Saturday.

Busanan on fire in Thailand Masters

ฺThai badminton boss Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, middle, stops by at the stadium to support Thai players.

The 22-year-old former SEA Games champion easily trounced the error-prone Pornpawee, last year’s finalist, 21-10 21-4 in just 30 minutes to set up the final duel with Indonesian dark-horse Fitriani Fitriani who pipped Deng Joy Xuan of Hong Kong 12-21 21-19 21-16.

“I was staying focussed the whole game. As I mentioned before, the one who took better control would win,” said Busanan who beat Aya Ohori of Japan in the final two years ago.

She will take on the 33rd-ranked Fitriani, the Giant Killer of defending champion and top seed Nitchaon Jindapol in round two.

“At this court, whoever plays better under the (air-conditioning) draught will have a better opportunity. I’m happy to be in the final again and will discuss a game plan with my coach later,” added Busanan who trails the Indonesian 1-2 in their head-to-head record. Busanan will also attempt to keep the women’s singles title at home as Thai women have won the category over the past three editions.

Busanan on fire in Thailand Masters

In mixed doubles, world No 5 Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai also reached the final by beating Nipitphon Phuangphupet and Savitree Amitrapai 21-18 21-16 and will take on top seeded Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying of Malaysia on Sunday.

Busanan on fire in Thailand Masters

In men’s singles, two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan of China recovered from a second game lapse to beat compatriot Lu Guangzu 21-11 6-21 21-18. The top seed and Goh Liu Ying will square off in the final tomorrow. 

 

 

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