Thailand suffered a double blow in the mixed doubles finals in the Badminton Asia Under-17 & Under-15 Championships in Mandalay, Myanmar on Sunday.
Hong Kong China’s Ko Shing Hei, however, completed a hattrick of titles in the mixed doubles – winning his second Under-17 title – this time with Lui Lok Lok – when the pair, seeded fourth, upset third seeds Sirawit Sothon-Pornnicha Suwatnodom of Thailand 21-12, 21-19 in a 35-minute thriller.
“I won the same title in Yangon last year with a different partner. Although I have a new partner (Lok Lok) this time we struck it right to win to beat the higher ranked Thais. It is an achievement for me,” said Shing Hei.
He won the Under-15 title in Jakarta in 2016. This is my third title in the championships overall. It is a boost to my badminton career as I aim to be a professional player in the sport.”
Lok Lok was equally excited to win the title with Shing Hei. His experience played a big part in my partnership with him,” said Lok Lok.
Thailand was also at the receiving end in the Under-15 final.
Indonesia’s Muh Putra Erwiansyah-Febi Setianingrum staved off a determined fightback by Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul-Sirinad Pirabran for a 21-7, 23-21 win in 32 minutes.
“This is the first title for us,” said Muh Petra who hails from Makassar while Febi is from Tanggarang.
Thailand coach Peeraphol Somphopcharoen (Tony), however, took the defeats in his stride and said:
“This is a learning experience for the players. They will be richer in experience and exposure in the coming tournaments.” Badminton Asia
RESULTS
(MIXED DOUBLES FINALS)
Under-17
Ko Shing Hei-Lui Lok Lok (HKG) beat Sirawit Sothon-Pornnicha Suwatnodom (THA) 21-12, 21-19
Under-15
Muh Putra Erwiansyah-Febi Setianingrum (INA) beat Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul-Sirinad Pirabran (THA)
