thailands world champion

[meatboy]

congratulations to 18yr.old ratchanok intanon on winning the ladies world badminton singles title at the world championships yesterday in guangzhou.

beating the chinese champion on her own ground a rearly great performance.

but for me what soured the achievement was when the chinese spectators were asked to stand for the thai national anthem what i saw shame on you about 75% sat on their buts.

if you china cant take getting beat dont play.

[elwood]

With this girl's record as a junior, it was always a very fair bet that she would progress to the highest level; she certainly seems dedicated enough.

And playing in the Chinese leagues has apparently toughened her mentally too.

Wonderful performance, and it will be interesting to see if she continues to develop. As one fine ex-player said, it is her and other young players who are setting new levels for women's badminton.

But don't expect praise for her achievements on this forum mate; positive Thai topics are few and far between.

Now, if only she had lost, thrown a tantrum and clobbered her opponent with her racket, there would be 6 pages of comments by now on the awful Thai mentality!

[wooloomooloo]

Excellent performance. I remember Ratchanok at the Olympics as well as the female weightlifters.

Ratchanok has regrouped and stamped her authority on the Olympic champion and at such a young age. Let's hope she can dominate for some time to come.

We were all huddled in front of the TV watching the Olympics at my wife's parents' house last summer and glad Ratchanok has reached new heights.

[keddy]

Big achievement, especially when it's been done in China. Well done

[elwood]

I watched her victory on the tube Sunday. On the final game she really kicked it up a notch and blew here opponet away.

Congrats to her!

When she lost the second game, I was wondering whether she would be strong enough physically to win the decider. Well, she soon banished any doubts!

She has improved her fitness and strength whilst maintaining her skills and, as you said, she really went for it.

Seems to be a nice kid too; here's wishing her more success.