PETALING JAYA: Thailand’s rising men’s singles shuttler Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul is hopeful of clinching the Malaysian Masters title today but is not getting ahead of himself as China’s Li Shifeng looms in the showdown.
The 21-year-old Panitchaphon, ranked world No. 28, powered into his third final of the year yesterday after shocking world No. 4 Frenchman Christo Popov 21-13, 21-13 in 39 minutes at the Unifi Arena in Bukit Jalil.
He also reached the finals of the Super 500 Indonesian Masters and the Super 300 Thailand Masters in January, but fell short on both occasions against Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan and Moh Zaki Ubaidillah respectively.
“It’s my third final of the year, and it’s better not to set high expectations. But of course, I really hope I can do it,” said Panitchaphon.
He admits facing fifth seed and world No. 7 Shifeng could be an uphill task.
“Facing Shifeng is going to be tough. He’s a very dangerous player but I will try to do my best and give it everything I’ve got.
“My body might not be at its best right now because I’ve been feeling a little sick, but I won’t let that stop me.”
Shifeng booked his spot in the final after defeating compatriot Hu Zhean 21-17, 21-16 in the semi-finals.
Panitchaphon added that he is treating each tournament as a learning experience.
“Reaching the final earlier this year was already such a good result for me,” he said.
“Making another final now comes as another opportunity for me to learn.
“I don’t want to pressure myself too much. Instead, I want to learn from each of my matches and gain as much experience as possible.”
