PETALING JAYA: Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon (pic) showed that her career is far from over by lifting the women’s singles title at the Indonesian Masters on Sunday.
Injuries and fitness had always been an issue but the 29-year-old Ratchanok is just refusing to give up.
At the Istora Senayan, Ratchanok ended a 10-month title after beating Sim Yu-jin of South Korea 21-18, 21-18 in the final. Her last title was at the 2024 Spain Masters.
“This gives me so much motivation. It reminds me I can return to the top eight and reset my goals,” said Ratchanok during an interview with Badminton World Federation.
“My fitness is improving after a long injury and I feel positive. It’s encouraging to start the year with a title.
“I’ve only lost to An Se-young (of South Korea) at my last two tournaments and with her not in Jakarta, I knew I had a chance,” she said.
“Se-young learned from me when she was younger and now she leads in our head-to-head (8-1). She’s mentally strong.
At the Malaysian Open three weeks ago, she lost to the Korean hotshot in the final, which was her best result in the Super 1000 since June 2023.
Asked what was the trick to standing tall despite pushing 30 in a demanding sport, she said it helped to have a positive mindset.
“As I get older, I’m choosing to believe I’m still young and can play like I did before. In my head right now, I’m 18,” Ratchanok said with a smile.
“I go in thinking my fitness is better than my opponent’s and that I’m stronger. Previously, I didn’t necessarily have the right mentality but now I’m ready for every shot. I have a plan and a target.”
It was also a great day for Thailand at the Indonesian Masters when former world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn defeated home favourite Jonatan Christie to lift the men’s singles title.
It was the first time that Thailand have swept both the singles title.
