BANGKOK: Thai media cheered teen star Ratchanok Intanon with a flurry of ecstatic headlines yesterday as the nation celebrated a first gold at the badminton world championships.
Ratchanok, who is just 18 and still has braces on her teeth, sprang a shock as she defeated China’s Olympic champion Li Xuerui 22-20, 18-21, 21-14 on Sunday in Li’s own backyard.
Pictures of the smiling teenager gripping her trophy after the showdown in Guangzhou adorned almost every front page as Thailand revelled in a rare ray of golden glory.
“Thai badminton roars, May swats China and collects the championship,” proclaimed the Thai language Thairath newspaper, referring to Ratchanok by her nickname.
“May -- a historic champion. The whole nation is elated,” said the Siamsport newspaper.
Ratchanok’s unexpected victory over Li, who was herself aiming for her first world title, breaks China’s stranglehold on the championship.
It is also a fairytale win for the teen, whose career started aged five when the owner of the factory where her parents worked sent her to train at a nearby badminton academy.
The teenager, regarded as one of the best young players in women’s badminton, supports her family through her sporting career.
Kamala Thongkorn, who owns both the factory and the badminton school, attended the final.
“This is another triumph -- we did not expect that success would be this fast,” she said.
“I am so proud of her,” said the 54-year-old Kamala, who is also Ratchanok’s godmother.
Ratchanok, who returned to her homeland on Sunday, was one of a host of young people to receive an award for being an exemplary child in a ceremony for Mother’s Day yesterday, which marks the birthday of Thailand’s Queen Sirikit.
She was also set to be honoured at the Badminton Association of Thailand.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s coach has blamed an air conditioning cut-off for causing Lee Chong Wei to cramp up and pull out of yet another heart-breaking world badminton final.
National singles coach Tey Seu Bock lashed out over a decision to shut off the air conditioning during the second game of the final. The move followed earlier complaints that the venue was too drafty.
Lee was among those who mentioned the draft earlier in the tournament.
“A defeat is a defeat. I can accept it but I cannot tolerate the organisers switching off the air conditioner in the second game,” Tey was quoted by Malaysia’s The Star newspaper yesterday as saying.
He said Lee became dehydrated, causing him to suffer cramps.
“It was so hot inside... This is not right. The players were suffering. At one point, Chong Wei was struggling to breathe,” Tey said.
He also complained the tournament’s schedule gave Lee less rest before the final than Lin, the reigning world and Olympic champ. AFP
