Singapore: Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon made a successful cameo appearance at the Southeast Asian Games on Friday, the world number five leading from the front in a crushing 3-0 victory over Malaysia in the women’s team badminton final. With the victory, Thailand successfully retained their title from the 2011 edition. Team events were not contested at the last Games in Myanmar in 2013.
In the first women’s singles, Ratchanok Intanon claimed a straight sets victory against Lim Yin Fun with 21-13, 21-14.
“I had a shaky start as my opponent was playing like no pressure and was making some good shots,” said Intanon.
“I improved once I settled down and it was nice to get the first win for the team in front of a lot of Thai supporters,” added Intanon.
The doubles team of world No. 13, Puttita Supajirakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai, then defeated Amelia Alicia Anscelly and Soong Fie Cho of Malaysia 22-20, 21-18.
It was no match for Ho Yen Mei against world No. 18 Busanan Ongbumrungpan of Thailand in the second women’s singles, with Ongbumrungpan completely dominated the match, winning 21-8, 21-15 and clinching the gold medal for Thailand.
Singapore finished joint-third with Indonesia.
