BANGKOK: Being the No. 1 player in a badminton mad country like Indonesia can be daunting but rising women’s singles shuttler Putri Kusuma looks like she is born for the role.
Putri overtook 2024 Paris Olympics bronze medallist and world No. 10 Gregoria Mariska in the rankings this year after climbing to a career high No. 7 in the world.
“I feel thankful that I have become No. 1 in women’s singles in Indonesia,” said Putri.
“Definitely, there’s pressure on me, but I’m using this as motivation. I also always try to enjoy my game.
“A strong mentality is very important and I hope to be consistent. I want to maintain my position as my country’s top player.”
Putri memorably defied the odds to win bronze in the World Championships in Paris in August.
The 23-year-old also finished runner-up in the Hylo Open and Australian Open.
In the Sudirman Cup in May, Putri had to shoulder her country’s hopes in the women’s singles in the absence of Gregoria, who was ill, and rose to the challenge well to help Indonesia win bronze.
Putri’s consistent showings earned her a spot in the prestigious World Tour Finals from Dec 17-21 in Hangzhou for the first time.
She also justified her No. 1 status in her country when she gave Indonesia the first point against hosts Thailand in the SEA Games women’s team final with a hard fought 21-8, 13-21, 21-16 win over world No. 6 Pornpawee Chochuwong at Thammasat University in Pathum Thani yesterday.
Putri’s efforts though turned out to be in vain after Thailand came from behind to win 3-1 and grab the gold.
Scratch pair Benyapa Aimsaard-Supissara Paewsampran overcame Rachel Allesya-Febi Setiangrum 21-18, 11-21, 21-18 in the first doubles to level the tie for the Thais.
Ratchanok Intanon then gave Thailand the advantage when she beat Gregoria 21-7, 21-15 in the second singles.
Ornnicha Jongsathopornparn-Jhenicha Sudjaipraparat went on to seal the win when they combined brilliantly to edge Febriana Dwipuji-Meilysa Puspitasari 21-19, 21-18 in the second doubles.
It was Thailand’s seventh consecutive gold in the women’s team event in the biennial Games.
