YOUTH OLYMPICS SF – Sapsiree makes up for Intanon’s absence

Thailand’s Sapsiree Taerattanachai joined her compatriot Pisit Poodchalat in the quest for gold in Thursday’s finals. in both events – boys’ singles and girls’ singles. She will have to beat China’s Deng Xuan to clinch the most coveted medal.

By Timothy Chan, Badzine Correspondent, reporting live from Singapore. Photos: Badmintonphoto (live)

Sapsiree Taerattanachai (photo) was probably not expecting to play unseeded neighbour Vu Thi Trang of Vietnam. But Vu had already scored the three upsets that proved she had every right to contest a semi-final in this tournament. Still, after winning her first game narrowly 21-18, Sapsiree just become more confident and raced to a 9-3 lead in the second game and increased the score to 11-5 at break-time. Unlike in her earlier matches, the Vietnamese didn’t seem in form and Sapsiree managed to wrap up the match 21-8 to join Pisit to be at the final in front of the Thai supporters, amongst whom were three travelling musicians who had come with an electric banjo, portable drum set and giant national flag.

Confidence is high in the Thai camp, as Sapsiree has beaten Deng Xuan of China, in the semi-final of this year’s Asian Under-19 Championships in Kuala Lumpur. The Thai lost to another Chinese player in the final, though, so Thursday’s final could be a grudge match for both players.

“The best player among the 32 girls in the YOG draw is Deng Xuan,” said the 18 year-old shuttler from the northern part of Thailand. “I must play with confidence tomorrow if I want to beat her.”

Sarah satisfied with semi-final achievement

In the other earlier semi-final, Deng Xuan (photo) was also to drop a game in the competition. The Chinese won against Sarah Milne in straight games 21-12, 21-12. Asked for her winning strategy, Deng said that it is quite similar to the earlier pool matches – “I just did my best.”

As for tomorrow final against Thailand’s Sapsiree, Deng said that she will try to relax and stay calm and not think too much about the match. She further added she want to do her country proud, persevere and do her very best for China. She must keep calm and stay composed.

The English girl will have a shot at bronze but knew what went wrong against the mighty Chinese: “I could have got more points but the rhythm of play was not there,” said Milne “And I should have stayed patient.”

Milne was full of praise for Deng whom she thought is a very good player, well-trained and very experienced. “She can win the gold medal,” she predicted before adding her run all the way to the semi-final had raised her expectations. “Before Singapore I thought I’d be happy with a quarter-final,” she said. “But now I want to go home with a medal. Fourth is the worst place to come.”

For the bronze medal matches, Sarah takes on Vu Thi Trang in the first clash of the evening

Girls’ Singles results:

Deng Xuan (CHN) beat Sarah Milne (GBR) vs : 21-12, 21-12
Sapsiree Taerattanachai (THA) vs Vu Thi Trang (VIE) : 21-18, 21-8

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