Inthanon Ratchanok struggles in Women’s Singles opening round of Korea Open Premier Super Series
Thailand’s Inthanon Ratchanok struggled hard in beating the lower ranked Ai Goto of Japan in the Women’s Singles opening round fight at the 2012 Korea Open Premier Super Series, on Wednesday, January 4, in Seoul, South Korea.
The World Number 12 Ratchanok started the game in a shaky way but recovered on the right time and managed to win the match in three games. She consumed 65 minutes to chuck out the stubborn Goto and advanced into the round-of-16.
Goto played tremendous badminton in the opening set of the match and pushed her higher ranked opponent in all corners of the court. Inthanon failed to put up strong resistance in the opening set of the match and made many mistakes.
The shot selection and execution of the Japanese was impressive as she did not miss any chance to stretch her lead. Ratchanok could not tackle the fast play of her Japanese rival and lost the set with a difference of 15-21.
Ratchanok played fast game in the second set of the match by accelerating her speed in all areas of the court. She played with precision and remained positive in placing her strokes. Her fast drop shots disturbed the movement of Goto, who failed to return
these shots in right areas.
However, Goto’s powerful smashes and spinning net shots kept her close on the score board. At the concluding phase of the second game, Ratchanok played terrific badminton and took the set with a tight score of 21-19.
In the final game, the score was equal until 3-3 when the Thai increased her speed and started to take a lead. Goto tried to dominate the rallies but her opponent was quicker this time. Ratchanok remained ahead of her Japanese opponent in the opening half
and reached at 11-7.
After the break, she continued her impressive performance in final set and did not spare any chance for Goto to fight back in the game. Ratchanok ended the deciding game with a decent score of 21-18.
This Women’s Singles three-set battle finished in 65 minutes with a 15-21, 21-19 and 21-18 score on the board.
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