Ratchanok Intanon did it again -- the second year in a row -- with a two-set victory on Sunday over Carolina Marin to retain the title of the Malaysia Masters badminton tournament.
The sixth seed from Thailand ended the final with 21-9 and 22-20 over the reigning Olympic and world champion Carolina Marin from Spain, who was seeded fourth in the competition, at Kuala Lumpur's Axiata Arena.
Ratchanok cruised to 19-13 in the decider but Marlin did not give up and forced a deuce which ended with the victory for the defending champion from Thailand.
The Thai received US$26,500 (840,000 baht) for the win.
Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand, praised Ratchanok for keeping her composure in the second game after Marlin fought back to keep the contest alive.
"'May' continues her excellent form with solid performances despite mounting pressure," she said by referring to her nickname.
Ratchanok Intanon and Carolina Marin thank spectators at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur after the match on Sunday. (AP photo)
Ratchanok defeated Goh Jin Wei of Malaysia in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Mixed pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai ended the tournament as runners-up after losing to top seeds Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino of Japan 21-18, 21-18.
Dechapol and Sapsiree showed improvement although they did not win the title, Khunying Patama said.