Chanatip Sonkham became Thailand's third world taekwondo champion on Tuesday with her triumph in the women's 49kg division at the world championships in Mexico.
Chanatip Sonkham. FILE PHOTO
Seeded second at the tournament, the 22-year-old comfortably outclassed Jordan's Dana Touran 13-0 in the final with one round to go.
With the win, world No.5 Chanatip follows in the footsteps of Rangsiya Nisaisom (women's 62kg) and Chatchawal Khaolaor (men's 54kg) who were both successful in South Korea two years ago.
"To win the world title was always my dream," she said. "I worked hard even when I got injured."
A favourite at the 2012 Olympics, Chanatip had to settle for a bronze in London. She has since improved considerably and won gold at the US Open in February.
Preecha Tortrakul, of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand, said the TAT had met its pre-tournament target with Chanatip's victory.
"It was a great result," he said.
"Any medal won by the other Thais in the tournament will be a bonus for us."
There are three other Thai athletes in the biennial event which attracts 800 competitors from 134 countries.