Jongkolphan, Rawinda bag first GP title

Jongkolphan, Rawinda bag first GP title

Thailand's Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai kicked off the new season in style as they captured the women's doubles crown at the 2017 Malaysia Masters yesterday.

Seeded top in the women's doubles event of the US$120,000 Grand Prix Gold tournament, Jongkolphan and Rawinda needed only 33 minutes to record a comfortable 21-17, 21-9 win over Hong Kong's Poon Look Yan and Tse Ying Sue in the final.

The Thai pair, No.13 in the world women's doubles rankings, were rewarded with $9,480 (about 332,000 baht) for their first ever Grand Prix Gold title, while their 115th-ranked opponents took home $4,560.

Thailand's hopes of claiming another title at the Malaysia Masters were dashed by India's Saina Nehwal, who defeated teenager Pornpawee Chochuwong in straight sets in the women's singles title showdown yesterday.

The world No.67 Thai put up a great fight before conceding her match 22-20, 22-20 to Nehwal, who has slipped to No.10 in the latest women's singles world rankings.

The victorious Indian veteran earned $9,000 (315,000 baht), while Pornpawee pocketed $4,560 (about 160,000 baht).

Badminton Association of Thailand president Patama Leesawadtrakul was full of praise for Jongkolphan and Rawinda after the duo won their maiden Grand Prix Gold title.

"It was a great effort from both Jongkolphan and Rawinda, who have helped Thailand start the new season on a high note," said Khunying Patama.

"Unfortunately Pornpawee lost in her singles final. But Saina was such an experienced opponent and I think Pornpawee did exceptionally well.

"I believe she will improve and become much stronger physically. She will surely become one of Thailand's main players in the future."

Jongkolphan and Rawinda are tipped to become Thailand's new hopes in the women's doubles.

Last year, they finished runners-up at the Indonesia Masters and the Bitburger Badminton Open.

Victory in the Malaysian Masters will definitely serve as a big boost for Jongkolphan and Rawinda as they prepare for the $120,000 Thailand Masters.

The pair, seeded third for the tournament, are expected to face stiff opposition from main title contenders Jia Yifan and Chen Qingchen of China and Thailand's world No.10 pair of Putita Supajirakul and Sapsiri Taerattanachai.

Leading shuttlers from 13 countries will vie for top honours in five events at the second edition of the Thailand Masters at Nimibutr Gymnasium on Feb 7-12.

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