The Siri Fort Stadium in New Delhi had always been a happy hunting ground for the World No. 5 and former world champion Ratchanok Intanon. She had won the India Open Superseries title at this venue in 2013, besides reaching the final yet again two years later when she lost to local favourite Saina Nehwal.
On Sunday, the 21-year-old Thai shuttler added more glory at the same place when she clinched the title yet again. Her opponent in the final was not easy by any means as she was facing the reigning Olympic gold medallist and former World No. 1 Li Xuerui. But Intanon was unperturbed and put up a stupendous display of power, precision and guile to upset the 2012 titlist, 21-17, 21-18. The match lasted 42 minutes.
Throughout the match, Ratchanok was immaculate on her strokes and looked thoroughly determined to recapture her crown. Apart from that, she also had the confidence of toppling Li in their very last meeting at the Badminton Asia Championships last year.
Even though the Chinese tried to stall her momentum towards the end, Ratchanok’s controlled aggression and her calmness helped her find the lines each time and dashed all hopes of Li.
“I didn’t want to engage her in long rallies. I was nervous towards the end and that helped her get close,” said an elated Ratchanok after her win.
“I had to keep telling myself to calm down. I’m so thankful to have regained this title. I’d like to dedicate this to our princess whose birthday it is today.”
Ratchanok is now the first two-time winner of this tournament since it attained the BWF Superseries status.
Kento Momota is now 4-0 in Superseries finals
On the men’s side, second seed Kento Momota continued his flawless record in Superseries finals by laying his hands on his fourth trophy from as many summit clashes. He trounced last year’s runner-up, the fifth-seeded Viktor Axelsen of Denmark, 21-15, 21-18 in 45 minutes.
Axelsen, whose last victory over the Japanese came in 2014, found it difficult once again to counter an opponent against whom he had a losing 1-6 record. With an impressive array of his flicks and jabs, Momota got a quick foothold into this match as the young Dane played an absolutely error-riddled game.
Axelsen did manage to make a brief comeback at the very end though, as he saved three match points from 15-20 down to make the score even closer. But the left-handed Momota did not want to give any more opportunity and wrapped up the match soon after.
Momota optimistic the win will boost his Olympic medal chances
After his triumph which marks his maiden win at the India Open, the 21-year-old expressed confidence that it will stand him in good stead ahead of the Olympics.
“My experience in other super series finals helped me,” said the Japanese World No. 4.
“I was able to execute my plans well today. This win will put me in the good frame of mind for the Olympics.”
With this latest loss, the sixth-ranked Viktor Axelsen drops to a dismal 0-6 record in Superseries finals.
