Ratchanok bows out in glory as Thailand matches best-ever haul

Evergreen Ratchanok Intanon, the leading light of Thai badminton for more than a decade, bowed out on a high by clinching the women’s singles title she had long craved in her swansong appearance, as Thailand’s badminton team wrapped up their campaign at the 33rd SEA Games with a record-equaling haul of three titles.

Heading into the final day of competition in a sport traditionally dominated by powerhouse Indonesia, Thai shuttlers were already assured of matching their best-ever return of three titles at a single Games — a mark they have achieved only once since the event’s inception in 1959.

With two of the five individual finals turning into all-Thai affairs, it was guaranteed that two more titles would be added to the women’s team crown secured earlier, ensuring Thailand would equal the feat last accomplished at the 2017 Games in Malaysia.

Despite winning numerous silverwares over her stellar career, Ratchanok, now in her 30s, had never captured the SEA Games women’s singles title. She had publicly declared her intention to claim the elusive gold in her final appearance at the Games.

Standing between Ratchanok and the crown was defending champion Supanida Katethong, who had earlier knocked out top seed Putri Kusuma Wardani of Indonesia in the semifinals. With personal glory at stake, the all-Thai showdown quickly unfolded into a gripping duel.

After a shaky start, Ratchanok gradually regained her composure and kept her nerve as the see-saw battle entered its decisive stages, eventually edging the first game 21-19 in nerve-wracking fashion.

The exertion of such a gruelling opener appeared to take its toll on world No 12 Supanida, who offered little resistance in the second game before going down 21-7.

“I’m very happy to finally win the title. I tried to hide my emotions throughout the week, pretending not to be under pressure,” said Ratchanok.

“Since this was my last chance, I wanted it even more. Still, I left room for disappointment if I failed,” she added, sinking to her knees and holding her head in her hands after sealing the victory.

Earlier in the day, the mixed doubles final between world No 4 pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran and compatriots Ruttanapak Oupthong and Jhenicha Sudjaipraparat proved equally enthralling, keeping home fans on the edge of their seats.

Buoyed by a stunning semifinal upset over reigning world champions Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei of Malaysia, world No 13 Ruttanapak and Jhenicha started confidently, holding their more illustrious opponents at bay in the opening exchanges.

The higher-ranked duo gradually clawed their way back, setting up a tense finish after levelling at 18-18. However, Ruttanapak and Jhenicha regrouped superbly to snatch the first game 22-20.

Dechapol and Supissara took the initiative early in the second game and looked on course to force a decider after opening an 11-7 lead at the interval.

The less-fancied pair, however, mounted a spirited comeback, stringing together six straight points before sealing a dramatic 21-19 victory to clinch the title.

Dechapol was gracious in defeat after failing to reclaim the title he last won with former partner Sapsiree Taerattanachai in 2017.

“They played very well. I gave it everything today, but there were still some mistakes,” said Dechapol.

“I’m leaving for China tonight to compete in the 2025 World Tour Finals. It’s a tough group where anyone can beat anyone, but we’ll give it our best.”

The mixed doubles gold capped an outstanding home Games for Jhenicha, who also played a key role in Thailand’s 3-1 victory over Indonesia in the women’s team final.

Reflecting on their comeback in the second game, Jhenicha said: “I told ‘Tle’ (Ruttanapak) that we were winning points with simple shots, so we should keep it simple. Their mistakes then helped us, maybe because of the pressure.”