Nitchaon plots ascent to top 10

Nitchaon plots ascent to top 10

Bitburger Open champions, from left, Jongkolphan Kititharakul, Nichaon Jindapol and Rawinda Prajongjai arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday.
Bitburger Open champions, from left, Jongkolphan Kititharakul, Nichaon Jindapol and Rawinda Prajongjai arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday.

Nitchaon Jindapon has set sights on reaching the top 10 in the world rankings next year.

Nitchaon, seeded second, won the women's singles title at the Bitburger Open in Germany on Sunday after beating top seed Zhang Beiwen of the US 21-17, 15-21, 21-19 in the final.

In the same event in Saarbrucken, second seeds Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai defeated Japan's Akane Araki and Aoi Matsuda of Japan in the women's doubles showdown.

The Thais arrived at Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday and were greeted by officials from the Badminton Association of Thailand.

"I am very happy to bring the title back to Thailand. I often play well in this tournament. I have reached the final three times and won the title twice," said Nitchaon, who was also crowned Bitburger champion in 2013.

She said she felt the pressure in Sunday's final but her determination and focus helped her win the match.

"I still have to rectify some weak points," said the 26-year-old from Phuket.

"I am targeting a top-10 spot in the world next year. I believe I have a chance to achieve it because I am now No.15. If I can continue playing well, it won't be difficult to reach the target."

World No.11 Jongkolphan and Rawinda thanked BAT president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul and the coaching staff for taking care of them.

"We will try to improve our ranking to ensure easier paths in tournaments," said Jongkolphan.

The duo also won the women's doubles title at the SEA Games in August.

The Thai players will next compete at two consecutive Superseries events -- the China Open from Nov 14-19 and Hong Kong Open from Nov 21-26.

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