Malaysia Masters: Panitchaphon Outclasses Popov To Book Final Spot

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- Thailand’s men’s singles shuttler Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul pulled off a major upset by defeating France’s third seed Christo Popov in the Malaysia Masters semi-finals today.

The world No. 28 was in complete control as he stunned the world No. 4 with a convincing 21-13, 21-13 win in just 39 minutes at the Unifi Arena.

The 21-year-old’s run marks his third final appearance of the season, having also reached the title matches at the Indonesia Masters and the Thailand Open.

Awaiting Panitchaphon in tomorrow’s final is China’s Li Shifeng, who advanced after overcoming compatriot Hu Zhe Ann 21-17, 21-16 in a match lasting nearly an hour.

“Reaching the final again is a great opportunity for me. I want to learn from this tournament without putting too much pressure on myself.

“I will try to learn from Shifeng and gain as much experience on the court as possible,” he said after the match.

In the women’s singles event, former world No. 1 Chen Yufei lived up to expectations by cruising into the final with a straight-games victory over Japan’s Hina Akechi.

The Chinese star needed just 43 minutes to seal a comfortable 21-11, 21-14 win.

“The match was good, and I feel my overall performance is improving.

“My tactics on court worked well, but there are still some areas that I need to fine-tune,” she said after the match.

Yufei will face Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon in the final after the Thai star beat Denmark’s Line Højmark Kjærsfeldt 21-12, 21-12 in 39 minutes in the other semi-final.

-- BERNAMA