PETALING JAYA: Malaysia have a lot of catching up to do as neighbours Thailand continue to reach new heights in the women’s singles.
Currently, Thailand have four players - world No. 6 Pornpawee Chochuwong, world No. 8 Supanida Katethong, Ratchanok Intanon (No. 9) and Busanan Ongbamrungphan (No. 10) - in the world’s top 10 which is more than even powerhouses China, who have two – Wang Zhiyi (No. 2) and Han Yue (No. 4).
Ratchanok, who turned 30 earlier this month, has regained some of her best form after struggling with injuries last year.
The 2013 world champion and former world No. 1 proved that she still has much left in the tank when she captured the Indonesian Masters title in Jakarta last month.
Thailand also have rising youngsters Pornpicha Choikeewong and Pitchamon Opatniputh coming up the ranks.
The 22-year-old Pornpicha, who is currently ranked No. 38 in the world, caught the eye when she made it into the semi-finals in the Malaysian Open last month while Pitchamon, 18, proved her potential by winning the girls’ singles gold in the 2023 World Junior Championships.
Meanwhile, Malaysia are lagging far behind and need to buck up to catch up with Thailand.
World No. 48 Goh Jin Wei is the country’s highest ranked player followed by world No. 52 K. Letshanaa, S. Kisona (No. 69) and Wong Ling Ching (No. 94).
Letshanaa will get a chance to prove herself when she competes in the German Open from Feb 25-March 2 in Mulheim.
The 21-year-old will open her campaign against Denmark’s world No. 34 Julie Jakobsen.
Kisona will also be in the fray for Malaysia and will start in the qualifying round against Spain’s world No. 79 Clara Azurmendi.
