Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon will become the world’s number one female badminton player when the new rankings are published on Thursday.
The reigning Asian champion, known as Nong May, will become the first top-ranked badminton star from Thailand after her 18-21, 21-11, 21-14 win over China’s Sun Yu in the Singapore Open final on Sunday.
With the win, the 21-year-old Thai also became the first female player to capture three Superseries (top tier) titles in a row, having triumphed in India and Malaysia in the previous two weeks.
“I think I played up to my standard. After I went down in the first game, my coach Phattapol [Ngernsrisuk] suggested that I focus on long rallies so that Sun Yu would become exhausted and more prone to unforced mistakes,” she said yesterday.
“Winning the second game drastically boosted my morale. I played with more confidence in the decider. Although she stayed hot on my heels at the near end of the game, I was quite certain that I could make it. I felt no pressure at all and I played my game. That’s what counts for the win.
“I would like to thank all the Thai fans who supported me,” she said.
Ratchanok, from Yasothon, turned professional in 2007. At 18, she stunned London Olympic gold medallist Li Xuerui to reign supreme in the 2013 World Championships, reported the Nation.
The young star’s focus will now turn to trying to win Thailand’s first Olympic badminton gold medal at this year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“I believe I can win an Olympic medal and I am focusing on the gold. There are many good players but if I can play to my best I can beat anyone,” said Ratchanok.
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