KUALA LUMPUR: Ratchanok Intanon won a straight-sets semi-final on Saturday to set up a title clash on Sunday against Carolina Marin of Spain at the Badminton World Federation Malaysia Masters.
The Thai world No.8 defeated Goh Jin Wei of Malaysia 21-16, 21-16 in a match that lasted just 36 minutes. Sixth-ranked Marin saw off Salina Nehwal of India 21-16, 21-13.
In head-to-head matches against the Spaniard, who is also the reigning Olympic and world champion, Ratchanok holds a 5-3 edge.
Also chasing a final berth in Kuala Lumpur later on Saturday is the Thai mixed-doubles pair of Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai, who face Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino of Japan.