An Opportunity Slips for Canada

The whiff of an upset passed by Canada, the opportunity to upstage Thailand slipping like a fleeting cloud. The moment couldn’t be seized, and the pecking order remained undisturbed, for Thailand won their second tie of Group B to seize their quarterfinals place at the TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup Finals 2023.

Brian Yang had set up the tie for the Canadians, beating Kantaphon Wangcharoen to level the tie after Thailand had taken the opening mixed doubles. It was then Michelle Li against Ratchanok Intanon, and when Li shot ahead 12-6 in the third game, Thailand’s position looked shaky indeed.

Intanon held up well under the pressure, making a surge at 12-17 with six straight points, and then it was a shootout at the death, with nerves and pluck playing a part. Intanon survived, 22-20, and Thailand could breathe a little easier. At 2-1 up, the momentum shifted the Thais’ way, and Kedren Kittinupong/Dechapol Puavaranukroh rode a strong challenge from Nyl Yakura/Adam Dong in the opening game of the next match to take them to safety.

Intanon survived a close call.

Li admitted that nerves had played a part.

“It could’ve gone either way in the third. I had the lead at 11. I made a few errors and she got confident and the nerves started to kick in, and then I got a bit disorganised in my thoughts. I tried to fight and she was very calm in the end, and I think that was the difference as I started to get a bit nervous. She’s very experienced and knew what to do.

“I got the lead and let that go, and she picked it up because she saw that I kind of relaxed a bit and made a couple of mistakes. She maximised on that and put more pressure on … it’s disappointing that I couldn’t get a point for the team.”

Intanon, on the road to recovery from a sinus problem that had laid her low earlier this year, was happy with her choice of shots at the very end.

“I tried to find my game at 21-20, and I knew she’d push me and I had to find the gap and she didn’t expect it,” said the Thai.

“We were nervous but we kept smiling. We each had to find gaps, but not one-two (shots), but one-two-three. I know at important times she’d try to push me hard, but I tried to make her play the way I wanted to.”

Comfortable Win for Indonesia

In the other Group B tie of the morning session, Indonesia made their way past Germany 4-1.

The only reverse for Indonesia was in men’s doubles, with Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin falling to Mark Lamsfuss/Marvin Seidel 18-21 21-17 21-19.

Results

Sudirman Cup News

Sweet 13th for China!

Sweet 13th for China!

21 May 2023
One Point Too Far for Japan

One Point Too Far for Japan

21 May 2023
Flawless Korea Overcome Malaysian Challenge

Flawless Korea Overcome Malaysian Challenge

20 May 2023
Viktor Axelsen Retires with Injury

Viktor Axelsen Retires with Injury

19 May 2023
Captain Hoki Inspires Japan Revival

Captain Hoki Inspires Japan Revival

19 May 2023
Taekwondo Champ Li Shi Feng Aces Celebration

Taekwondo Champ Li Shi Feng Aces Celebration

18 May 2023
Cool Kunlavut Turns Tide for Thailand

Cool Kunlavut Turns Tide for Thailand

18 May 2023
Jeon Finds Spark in Korean Rout of Japan

Jeon Finds Spark in Korean Rout of Japan

17 May 2023
Malaysia Top ‘Group of Death’

Malaysia Top ‘Group of Death’

17 May 2023
Sensational Goh Jin Wei Seals Tie for Malaysia

Sensational Goh Jin Wei Seals Tie for Malaysia

15 May 2023
Emotional Return to Birthplace for Adam Dong

Emotional Return to Birthplace for Adam Dong

15 May 2023
Axelsen Clears the Way for Denmark

Axelsen Clears the Way for Denmark

14 May 2023
Chinese Taipei Sail Through in Testy Waters

Chinese Taipei Sail Through in Testy Waters

14 May 2023
Where To Watch: TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup Finals 2023

Where To Watch: TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup Finals 2023

14 May 2023
Minnows Hope to Make a Mark

Minnows Hope to Make a Mark

13 May 2023
Back in Badminton Heartland!

Back in Badminton Heartland!

13 May 2023
Indonesians Seek to End Three-Decade Wait

Indonesians Seek to End Three-Decade Wait

12 May 2023
‘Fukuhiro’ High on Confidence After Dubai Win

‘Fukuhiro’ High on Confidence After Dubai Win

12 May 2023
The Sudirman Cup Story

The Sudirman Cup Story

12 May 2023
China Hold the Aces

China Hold the Aces

11 May 2023
Group D Preview: Japan, Korea Will be Wary of France

Group D Preview: Japan, Korea Will be Wary of France

11 May 2023
Group C Preview: The Group of Death?

Group C Preview: The Group of Death?

5 May 2023
Minions in Indonesia’s Sudirman Cup Squad

Minions in Indonesia’s Sudirman Cup Squad

2 May 2023
Group B Preview: Tunjung’s Form Bodes Well for Indonesia

Group B Preview: Tunjung’s Form Bodes Well for Indonesia

21 April 2023
Group A Preview: Decisive Denmark-Singapore Clash

Group A Preview: Decisive Denmark-Singapore Clash

14 April 2023
Fast-Rising Duo Give Edge to India’s Hopes

Fast-Rising Duo Give Edge to India’s Hopes

13 April 2023
Sudirman Cup: Malaysia, Chinese Taipei in Tricky Group C

Sudirman Cup: Malaysia, Chinese Taipei in Tricky Group C

25 March 2023
Sudirman Cup: Egypt, Singapore Among Participating Teams

Sudirman Cup: Egypt, Singapore Among Participating Teams

8 March 2023
Pan American Cup: Canada Cruise to Title

Pan American Cup: Canada Cruise to Title

21 February 2023
Asia Mixed Team Championship: China Reign Again

Asia Mixed Team Championship: China Reign Again

20 February 2023
Oceania Mixed Team Championships: Australia Breeze Through

Oceania Mixed Team Championships: Australia Breeze Through

19 February 2023
European Mixed Team Championships: Denmark Survive Torrid Test

European Mixed Team Championships: Denmark Survive Torrid Test

19 February 2023
Africa Mixed Team Championships: Egypt Roar Back to Retain Crown

Africa Mixed Team Championships: Egypt Roar Back to Retain Crown

17 February 2023
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