Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand plays a return during a badminton game of the women's singles against Michelle Li of Canada in the BWF World Championships in Tokyo, Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
THAILAND hotshot Ratchanok Intanon’s attempt to win her second world title was blown away by the ‘’Tokyo draught’’ as her conqueror Michelle Li (pic) of Canada caused a sensational upset to reach the quarter-finals at the World Championships.
Michelle achieved the most memorable win of her career by controlling the windy condition in the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium to secure a 25-23, 16-21, 21-13 win in 71 minutes.
The Canadian world No. 13 was looking to bounce back from a a disappointing run in the Indonesian Open and Masters as well as Malaysian Open and Masters — and used the draught to her advantage.
It was her best outing in the world meet and the Canadian, who won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham three weeks ago, wants more.
“It means so much to me and it’s definitely rewarding because I have been struggling so much and have lost to her so many times,” said Michelle.
“The first game was about who could control the draught better. I guess it was about who was more brave to hit certain shots at the right time and I’m really happy to stay in at the crucial moments to win the game.
“I was also in good condition and was focusing on tactics rather than chasing around and struggling for every shot.
“I feel great as this is my first time beating her (in the World Championships) and I want to fight for a medal and want to keep going.”
Ratchanok, the 2013 world champion, who had to play catch-up by allowing Michelle to take big leads, was disappointed.
She was down 13-18 down in the first game and went behind 2-10 and 10-17 in the third game to end her campaign in the last 16.
“It was difficult to control the draught and mentally, I was a bit down. I also didn’t keep the chase close with her,” said Ratchanok.
It was only Michelle’s second win over Ratchanok in eight meetings and it could not have come at a more crucial time.
Michelle will be meeting Chen Yufei of China.
Tokyo Olympic Games champion Yufei defeated another Thai Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-17, 17-21, 21-10.
Carolina Marin of Spain is also through to the quarters after winning a close fight against He Bingjiao of China, prevailing 16-21, 21-15, 22-20.
