By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock
BANGKOK, May 15 (Bernama) -- Defending women’s singles champion Supanida Katethong of Thailand lived up to expectations by advancing to the Thailand Open quarter-finals after a commanding victory over India’s Aakarshi Kashyap today.
The world number nine required just 34 minutes to secure a 21-9, 21-14 straight sets win at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok.
The fourth-seeded Supanida expressed her delight at performing in front of home supporters, stating that the crowd’s backing alleviated any potential pressure.
“I’m happy and feel comfortable playing in this tournament, even with the tag of defending champion this year,” she told Bernama after the match on Thursday.
Supanida who defeated Han Yue of China to claim the Thailand Open women's singles title last year, acknowledged her solid form but noted the need to minimise unforced errors.
“I want to improve my patience on the court and avoid rushing to finish matches,” she added.
Supanida will next face compatriot Busanan Ongbamrungphan, who earlier overcame China’s Han Qian Xi in a gruelling three-set battle, 18-21, 21-16, 21-11 that lasted over an hour.
Thailand’s seasoned campaigners Ratchanok Intanon and tournament top seed Pornpawee Chochuwong also advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating their respective opponents.
In the men’s singles, Thailand’s reigning world champion and current world number two, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, was pushed to the limit in a gruelling hour-and-32-minute battle before defeating last year’s Thailand Open finalist, Angus Ng Ka Long of Hong Kong, 13-21, 21-18, 24-22.
Kunlavut will face Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto in the quarter-finals after Nishimoto defeated Indonesia’s rising young shuttler Alwi Farhan 21-15, 9-21, 21-13.
Tournament second seed Anders Antonsen of Denmark also progressed to the last eight with a 21-14, 21-16 victory over India’s Tharun Mannepalli.
Antonsen will meet South Korea’s Jeon Hyeok Jin in the quarter-finals after the Korean edged out Taiwan’s Su Li Yang 21-14, 15-21, 21-19.
-- BERNAMA
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