2012 Syed Modi International: Sapsiree Taerattanachai registers her class in preliminary stages
Thailand’s budding shuttler Sapsiree Taerattanachai performed exceptionally well in the preliminary stages of Syed Modi International India GPG and proved her worth in the Women’s Singles event.
World Number 23 player Sapsiree, who was third seeded contestant of this prestigious event, started her campaign with a splendid straight-set victory over Arundhati Pantawane of India. This crucial match was played at the local badminton complex of Lucknow
and both contenders earned great deal of admiration for putting an honest effort.
Initially, the Indian campaigner relished full benefits of home ground and got into commanding position but then Sapsiree struck hard and turned the tables. She managed to stay two steps ahead of her competitor and won this set with 21-19 score.
The following game proved real test for both contenders as they had to go all in to achieve their respective goals. Sapsiree was trying to transform her 1-0 lead into a straight-set win whereas the Indian player was looking to avoid a woeful exit from the
home event.
They stood toe-to-toe all the way to final moments and this cliff-hanging tussle ended when the Thai shuttler sealed her splendid victory with 21-18 margin.
This timely win took her to second round of Women’s Singles event where Sonia Su Ya Cheah of Malaysia was waiting for her. This hard fought battle remained in full swing for three exhausting sets as both shuttlers put all in their possession to oust the
opponent.
In first set of match, Sapsiree looked bit off colour as she could not withstand her rival’s intensive attack and surrendered tamely.
However, she revived her lost form when it was needed the most and survived this nerve-racking encounter on merit. She counterbalanced the situation by winning second set with a staggering knock of 21-5 and then stamped her supremacy over the Malaysian player
with 21-11 margin in third set.
Now her next challenge was to surpass Aprilla Yuswandari in round of eight and she lived up to the expectations. Sapsiree played with authoritative approach from very first stroke and carried this rhythm until last shot was played.
She tipped the scale in her favour by claiming opening match point with distinction and then capitalised this psychological edge in the following game. She ruled the court also in second set and registered her mark by piling up a decisive figure of 21-11.
Though, critics were not giving her better odds in this GP Gold tournament but still Sapsiree managed to stand out by performing beyond expectations in the preliminary stages.
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