ALL ENGLAND 2013 QF – Thais rise further

Qualifier Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk continued his great run as he cruised passed Tommy Sugiarto, with Thailand later having more success as Ratchanok Intanon beat Juliane Schenk and Jongjit/Puangpuapech found little resistance against Chen/Lu of Chinese Taipei.

By Michael Burke, Badzine Correspondent, live from Birmingham.  Photos: Yohan Nonotte for Badmintonphoto (live).

Ratchanok Intanon (pictured left) has stolen the hearts of badminton fans worldwide at the tender age of 18 with some spectacular play and her polite character. She was all business, however, as she faced fourth seeded Juliane Schenk in the Yonex All England quarter-finals.

The first game saw a strong Schenk attack hard as she managed to get the better of Intanon with smashes; Intanon remained on the back foot and could not rescue the game, losing 13-21.

Intanon, however, was much better in the second, as a much improved defence saw Schenk stuck in her attack. Increasingly confident, the Thai player was able to play more of her own attacking shots and raced away with the second game, 21-12.

Again, Intanon was the far better player in the third, able to smash through a frustrated Schenk, the third game over in quick time, the score 21-8.

After again endearing herself to the crowd with her trademark wai – a bow of thanks to the officials and crowd – she spoke about her recovery in the second game: “I was very nervous in the first game, it is the quarter-finals in a big tournament and I could not control my emotions. I was much better in my defence in the second and just waited for her to make the mistakes.”

She will face Saina Nehwal of India in the next round and was upbeat about her chances, “I feel happy because I have reached the semi-finals of a big tournament. The last time I played Saina, I won so I have good confidence.”

On the rise of Thai badminton, Ratchanok said: “There are now a lot of good young Thai players playing world class badminton. I think in the next few years we can really dominate.”

Another young Thai player, Tanongsak Saesomboonsuk (pictured right) also played well today, continuing his impressive run from qualification to defeat Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia, 21-17, 21-11.

The first game started close, as both players fought hard with fast and flat rallies for the attack. A fluid Saensomboonsuk came out on top however, as he was more patient in his defence, finding great effect with a penetrating smash.

Speaking about his performance in the match and the tournament, he said: “Today I played good defence and offense. I’m very happy, as it’s my first All England semi-final. I have just tried my best from qualifying.”

Asked on his potential match up with favourite Lee Chong Wei in the next round, he said: “I have nothing to lose. I have never beaten him, only reached a rubber match. This is my best result in the Superseries so I will just try to play my best.”

At only 23, Saensomboonsuk is also a good young prospect for Thailand, “I hope this is the first step to the higher level going further in my career, I hope I can become the next Boonsak [Ponsana].”

Compatriots Maneepong Jongjit and Nipitphon Puangpuapech also reached the semi-finals as they dispatched Chinese Taipei pair Chen Hung Ling and Lu Chia Bin in just 23 minutes, 21-11 21-13.

The full results for the day can be found here.

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