Kuala Lumpur: Ratchanok Intanon dedicated the Malaysia Open win to her late mother, who passed away in April 2021. The World No. 8 player also ended her two-year title drought by capturing the Malaysia Open on Sunday.
Ratchanok who has clearly been struggling for form since beating Carolina Marin 21–19, 11–21, 21–18 in the 2020 Indonesia Masters final, was so resilient, showing signs of regaining her place atop the badminton universe by playing patiently and confidently to outlast Tokyo Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei of China 21-15, 13-21, 21-16 in 2022 Malaysia Open final.
“I would like to dedicate this title to my family and my mother,” said Intanon after the match.
“I am more mature now after my mother passed away,” added Intanon.
Meanwhile, Chen said Ratchanok was quicker in today’s match.
“In the decider, Ratchanok was leading at 20-12 but I did not give up and was able to save 4 match points, however, at the end, I still lose the match,” said Chen.
In women’s doubles, World No. 133 Apriyani Rahayu/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti of Indonesia pulled off the upset to knock out World No. 33 Zhang Shu Xian/Zheng Yu of China 21-18, 12-21, 21-19 for the Malaysia Open crown.
Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong of China continued their dominance and displaying their utter greatness in mixed doubles by capturing their fifth consecutive title (2022 Badminton Asia Championships, 2022 Thailand Open, 2022 Indonesia Masters, 2022 Indonesia Open, 2022 Malaysia Open) on Sunday. Zheng/Huang beat World No. 1 Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Sapsiree Taerattanachai of Thailand 21-13, 21-18 in 35 minutes.
