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Ratchanok Intanon may need to put an ‘S’ on her
chest after today’s extraordinary feat in the OUE Singapore Open
2016 final that earned her a third World Superseries title in three
weeks – a historic first by a singles player.
The Thai superwoman’s incredible 18-21 21-11 21-14
comeback against defending champion, Sun Yu, ensured that when the
world rankings are updated on Thursday she will sit at the summit of
Women’s Singles – another milestone in her young but already
starry career.
“I am so happy. My
target is to be No.1 and I am very proud of myself,” said Intanon,
greeted by her country’s ambassador to Singapore, Thongchai
Chasawath, in the aftermath of one of her sweetest victories.
It was an afternoon for
the feel-good factor in Men’s Singles too as a fired-up Sony Dwi
Kuncoro rolled back the years with a superb performance to wrest the
crown from Son Wan Ho of Korea.
At age 31, he has struggled with injuries and
adjusting to no longer being in the Indonesian national team. Amid
these challenges, the veteran shuttler has been inspired by the
results which peers like Lin Dan, Lee Chong Wei and Lee Hyun Il are
still reaping.
After his 21-16 13-21 21-14 triumph today he may add
his name to the list of over-30 players who can still mix it with the
youngsters.
“It is amazing to win this title, coming from the
qualifying round. I really want to thank my wife for supporting me
and thanks also to all the Indonesian fans here and at home. This is
a very meaningful moment in my career,” said Kuncoro, who last won
a World Superseries in Singapore in 2010.
Winning the Singapore Open as qualifier emulated the
achievement of his compatriot, Simon Santoso; the Men’s Singles
champion in 2014.
Text from BWF
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