Intanon Dazzles; Thailand Stretch China

Intanon Dazzles; Thailand Stretch China

Ratchanok Intanon dialled back the years with an effervescent performance that lit up the last Group A tie between Thailand and China.

And while China did wrap it up 4-1, Intanon’s defeat of Wang Zhi Yi, following inspired play by her compatriots, might have thrown up some concerns for the home team who are aiming for their 14th Sudirman Cup title.

Perfection at the net! 💪

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What would have unnerved China was that they struggled against a Thai team that chose not to field many of their best players. Right from the opening mixed doubles, when Pakkapon Teeraratsakul/Phataimas Muenwong challenged Feng Yan Zhe/Wei Ya Xin in a close first game, to the second match, when Kantaphon Wangcharoen stretched Li Shi Feng to 85 minutes, it was evident that China weren’t about to have a clinical finish to their group engagements.

But it was Intanon who, unaffected by her lacklustre form of recent times, brought back her vintage self against Wang Zhi Yi. Moving with pace and employing her dazzling skills, Intanon had Wang fighting a rearguard battle for the most part.

The Chinese made a last-ditch surge from 16-19 to match point, but Intanon continued to attack and the fearlessness paid off as she edged Wang at the death, 21-19 13-21 23-21.

“I trust my fitness, so I know I can move quickly,” said Intanon. “I know that at the end of the game she tried to play fast and push me. I’m not slow anymore and I feel my fitness getting better.

“I haven’t had any injury. I can continue with my good training, that’s why I tried to push every step and play like I’m young. Our team is not very strong in women’s doubles. So I tried to survive all the way and I focussed on my game and not think about the team’s performance.”

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Intanon Dazzles; Thailand Stretch China

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