PETALING JAYA: Winning the Uganda International Challenge title has whetted independent player K. Letshanaa’s (pic) appetite for more achievements.
The 19-year-old Letshanaa was in fine form when she upset Turkiye’s world No. 92 Neslihan Yigit 21-11, 21-8 in a thrilling 26-minute final at the MTN Arena, in Kampala, Uganda, yesterday.
En route to the final, the world No. 112 had defeated sixth seed Agnes Korosi of Hungary, Mexican Sabrina Solis, India’s Anwesha Gowda and compatriot Tan Zhing Yi.
It was a breakthrough for Letshanaa as she ended her five-year title drought with her first International Challenge title. She last won a title at the lower-ranked Mauritius International in 2018.
“It felt good to bring out my A-game on court but it can be better if I can correct the small mistakes that I made,” said Letshanaa.
“I just feel very happy and excited to win my first International title and of course, it was nice to play against better players from other countries.
“I hope that this title will give me a boost to achieve more in the future.”
Letshanaa will now shift her focus to the Thailand International Challenge from March 7-12 in Korat, where she will be playing against Indonesia’s Ruzana Ruzana in the qualifying round.
“Winning the title has boosted my confidence,” she said.
“I hope that I can bring this rhythm to the Thailand meet and play my best in every match.
“I’ve never played against her (Ruzana) before, so I will try my best.
“I did not set any target for this tournament as I want to take it one match at a time and see how far I can go.”
There was double joy for Malaysia as Justin Hoh clinched the gold medal after defeating M. Kanishq of India 21-8, 21-12 in the men’s singles final. Men’s singles: Justin Hoh (Mas) bt M. Kanishq (Ind) 21-8, 21-12.
RESULTS
Women’s singles: K. Letshanaa (Mas) bt Neslihan Yigit (Tur) 21-11, 21-8.
Men’s doubles: Pongsakorn Thongkham-Wongsathorn Thongkham (Tha) bt Ade Resky-Azmy Qowimuramadhoni (Aze) 21-19, 21-18.
Women’s doubles: Trisha Hegde-Khushi Thakkar (Ind) bt Martina Corsini-Judith Mair (Ita) 17-21, 23-21, 21-13.
Mixed doubles: Andy Kwek Jun Liang-Crystal Wong Jia Ying (Sin) bt Philipp Drexler-Serena Au Yeong (Aus) 21-17, 21-19.
