New Delhi: The India Open Superseries tournament stays close to Ratchanok Intanon’s heart. She had lifted her first title here in 2013 — the same year in which she become the youngest world champion ever, at 18.
On Sunday, the Thai World No.5 made a strong statement as she announced her return to form, stunning reigning Olympic champion Li Xuerui of China 21-17, 21-18 for the women’s singles crown here.
Ratchanok, also 2015 runner-up, says she has a better record playing in India than any other country.
“I enjoy playing here. Today the crowd was behind me, which helped me gain crucial points.” Meanwhile, Japan’s fourth ranked Kento Momota won his first India Open title and his fourth Superseries crown beating Viktor Axelsen of Denmark 21-15, 21-18 in a keenly-contested men’s summit clash.
