Ratchanok returns, huge boost for Thai’s title push

PETALING JAYA: Thailand have received a tremendous boost in their bid to contend for the Uber Cup title after singles ace Ratchanok Intanon landed in Aarhus on Monday to join the team for the remainder of the competition.

The world No. 6 had previously announced she would not participate in both the Sudirman Cup and Uber Cup Finals as she was still mourning the death of her mother Kumpan Suvarsara, who passed away at the age of 49 due to acute heart failure on Aug 19.

Ratchanok has since returned to training following the completion of a month-long prayer and cremation on Sept 23.

With barely two weeks of training, the 2013 world champion’s match fitness remains questionable but her presence will surely lift the team’s morale as they seek to make another Uber Cup title push after coming close to winning it in Bangkok three years ago.

Thailand made it to their first ever final before going down 3-0 to Japan.

Ratchanok, in an interview with Thai media prior to her departure, said she was ready the challenge.

“Regarding my mental state, I admit that I have encountered many disappointments in my life,” she said.

“But I use them to motivate myself more. Now I have to try and look forward and not get stuck in the past. I want to tell my mum that I’m ready to move on.”

Ratchanok last competed at the Tokyo Olympics where she made it to the quarter-finals before being ousted by eventual silver medallist Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan.

“My physical condition is not 100% perfect. Now, I am trying to speed up the process of getting my fitness back,” said Ratchanok.

“But I don’t want to rush myself too much because I don’t want to risk getting injured.”

Ratchanok could make a return in the final group fixture against India today.

Thailand, however, have been coping well in her absence as they continued to flex their muscles with a 5-0 win over Spain yesterday to book a place in the knockout stage.

They had earlier thrashed Scotland with the same score.

With seven members from the 2018 squad in Aarhus, the Thais certainly have what it takes to contend with the likes of China, Japan and South Korea.