The TOYOTA Thailand Open 2024 came to an end today with a finals day that threw up a few surprises.
Supanida Katethong is Thailand's hero of the week with a sensational run, defeating the top three seeds on her way to her first Super 500 tournament win.
The left-hander surpassed Gregoria Mariska Tunjung and Wang Zhi Yi in three-game thrillers, both 22-20 in the decider. Katethong was then able to find energy from somewhere to defeat the top seed Han Yue, 21-16, 25-23.
Thailand double up
Jongkolphan Kititharakul/ Rawinda Prajongjai gave the Thai fans another title win to celebrate. They kept the women’s doubles title in Thailand for the first time since 2016, when Sapsiree Taerattanachai did it with Puttita Supajirakul.
They defeated Indonesia’s Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma/ Amallia Cahaya Pratiwi in straight games, 21-14, 21-14. Their first title since the Orleans Masters in 2021.
Favourites fall
Dechapol Puavaranukroh/ Sapsiree Taerattanachai were all but set for a third Thailand Open title and had the chance to make it the most fruitful Thailand Open ever for their country.
However, China have found yet another talented mixed doubles pair. In their debut tournament together, Guo Xin Wa/ Chen Fang Hui fought their way to a title, coming from a game behind to win 12-21, 21-12, 21-18.
Statement made
With the Olympics just around the corner, players and pairs are looking for opportunities to get titles under their belt before battling for the sport’s ultimate glory.
Lee Zii Jia stormed the final against Ng Ka Long, winning 21-11, 21-10, to become Thailand Open champion once again. The Malaysian’s first title of the year.
India’s men’s doubles pair, who will be eyeing up a medal in Paris, completed their perfect week in Bangkok with a 21-15, 21-15 win over Chen Bo Yang, Liu Yi, adding to their French Open title earlier in the year.
Click here for the full match results.