Two Indonesian Women Shuttlers Fail to Advance to the NZ Finals

In this photo are seen Hanna Ramadini (far left), Fitriani (center) and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung (far right) while on the podium National Championship PBSI 2015, …

Auckland, MINA – Two Indonesian women shuttlers failed to advance to the NZ Finals after being defeated by their opponents in the semifinals, Bangkok Post reported.

Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon defeated Hana Ramadini of Indonesia in straight sets (21-13, 21-17) to book her place in Sunday’s final of the US$120,000 New Zealand Open badminton tournament.

Ratchanok will face Saena Kawakami of Japan, who defeated Fitriani Fitriani of Indonesia 2-1 (21-12, 17-21, 21-17) in the other semi-final at the North Shore Events Centre in Auckland on Saturday.

The Thai star, a former world No.1 who has been slowly coming back from injury trouble, is currently ranked ninth but is seeded first in the Auckland event. Her Japanese opponent is seeded fifth and is 29th in the world rankings.

Ratchanok is hoping for a victory this weekend to provide a big boost ahead of the world championships that will be held in Glasgow, Scotland from Aug 21-27.

She also hopes to gain ranking points to make a return to the world’s top eight as this will give her an easier path in future tournaments. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)