Hong Kong: In their 13th career showdown, Thailand’s World No. 5 Ratchanok Intanon will be taking on China’s World No. 3 Chen Yu Fei in the Hong Kong Open final on Sunday.
The fifth seeded Intanon made Hong Kong Open final for the second straight year after outlasting second seeded Akane Yamaguchi of Japan 21-23, 21-15, 21-12 in the semi-final in 62 minutes.
Although Intanon squandered a 19-12 lead and went on losing the first set, she continued to play aggressively to win the next two.
“I probably have added too much pressure to myself, I just couldn’t find my rhythm even though I was controlling the game,” explained Intanon about her sudden collapse in the first set.
“I told myself I need to keep calm and try again in the second set. I knew I had to push and made her uncomfortable,” said Intanon.
Chen Yu Fei was also pushed to limit before come out winning by beating Zhang Beiwen of USA 21 18, 14-21, 21-15. Chen currently held a 10-2 career head-to-head record against Intanon.
Meanwhile, Chang Ye Na/Kim Hye Rin of Korea will play Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan of China in the women’s doubles final while Japan’s Yuta Watanabe/Arisa Higashino will take on China’s He Ji Ting/Du Yue in mixed doubles final.
