Thailand’s former world number one Ratchanok Intanon was left disappointed that she was not able to achieve her quarter-final target in this year’s Wuhan City of Automobile Badminton Asia Championships.
In her second round match at the Wuhan Sports Center on Thursday, the Thai ace took a slip and injured her right ankle in the first game which she won 21-19 against unseeded Korean Lee Jang-mi.
That slip affected Ratchanok’s movements on the court and Jang-mi forced a decider after winning the second game 21-17. In the second game Ratchanok allowed the Korean enough room to carve out a 21-15 win despite putting up a brave fight for 72 minutes.
“Yes I am disappointed. My target here was to at reach the quarter-final after making the last eight last year…but it is okay. I did not want to aggravate my ankle injury,” said Ratchanok, who won the Asian title in 2015.
“The Uber Cup Finals are just round the corner. Thailand hope to reach the semi-finals at least,” added Ratchanok.
Thailand in Group B and have Chinese Taipei, Germany and Hong Kong China for company.
Selected Results (Second Round)
Women’s singles
Tai Tzu Ying(Tpe) beat Kim Hyo-min (Kor) 21-16, 211-12
He Bingjiao (Chn) beat Pornpawee Chochuwong (Tha)21-10, 21-12
Lee Jang-mi (Kor) beat Ratchanok Intanon (Tha) 19-21, 21-17, 21-15
