Asian title for U19 badminton team
Thailand’s under-19 badminton team rallied from 2-0 down to beat Indonesia 3-2 in the mixed team final of the Asian Junior Badminton Championships in China on Tuesday.
In the men’s doubles, Indonesia’s Leo Rory Carnando and Daniel Marthin beat Thailand’s Thanawin Madee and Ratchapol Makkasasithorn 21-11 and 21-14 while in the women’s singles, Putri Kusuma Wardani, down 0-1, came back to beat Phittayaporn Chaiwan 18-21, 21-12 and 21-11.
Then the Thai rally began - Kunlavut Vitidsarn won his men’s singles 21-16-15-21 21-18 against Bobby Setiabudi to reduce the deficit before Benyapa Aimsaard and Peeraya Khantaruangsakul beat Nita Violina Marwah and Putri Syaikah 21-16-15-21 21-8 in the women’s doubles to level the final at 2-2.
Phittayaporn Chaiwan and Kunlavut Vitidsarn overcame Carnando and Indah Cahya Sari Jamil 21-12, 21-16 in the decisive mixed doubles.
Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT) president KunyingPatama Leeswadtrakul said: “We’re impressed with the fighting spirit of these junior players who fought back to win 3-2.
“This is the first time Thailand has won this prestigious event. This is an important step for Thai badminton. They are future national team players.”
Patama added that the only major event to elude Thai badminton players to date has been the Olympic Games.
