Pannawit keeps Thai hopes alive

The former junior national player was quick at the net to beat the Malaysian for the first time 21-9 21-19 after losing to him twice in the Suhandinata Cup 2013 and 2015 Singapore Open.

“I’m very satisfied to beat him for the first time and reach my first International Challenge final. I stuck to my plan by making him play at the net more and didn’t give him high shots for smashing. Unlike the last time we played, I was focused,” said Pannawit who will face Japanese top seed Riichi Takeshita, who ousted Fikri Ihsandi Hadmadu of Indonesia 21-16 21-15.

“Takeshita beat me easily the last time we played in Japan two years ago. So, I guess I’m an underdog. But I’m very confident with my form this week and I have to go into the final with some game plan and hope to find some weakness from him,” said the 22-year-old Thai, looking for his first Challenge title. Pannawit’s elder brother Parinyawat paired up with Phataimas Muenwong in the mixed doubles but went down to Wang Sijie and Du Peng of China 13-21 16-21.

Thailand’s hopes also evaporated in the women’s singles as Pattarasuda Chaiwan was shown the exit by Japanese seventh seed Natsuki Nidaira 17-21 14-21.