Ratchanok's Recipe For Smashing Success: Less Sugar, More Oomph!

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- Thai badminton sensation Ratchanok Intanon's goal of staying at the top of her game at this stage of her career is no longer just about intense training but also about sacrifices, like giving up her favourite beverage - the Thai milk tea.

The 30-year-old revealed that she has had to cut back on sugary drinks as part of her efforts to stay fit and competitive on the international stage.

“I usually drink it with a normal amount of sugar but now I ask for less. I don’t drink it every day but, if I do, it's maybe just half a cup.

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“I also had an injury about two or three months ago and I had to make a comeback. Sometimes, you want to win, and you do win, but your condition still isn’t really good,” she told reporters after her Malaysia Masters women's singles quarter-final match at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil today.

The women's singles champion in the 2018 and 2019 editions of the Malaysia Masters defeated Michelle Li of Canada 24-26, 24-22, 21-12 in a gruelling 77-minute quarter-final clash and will face either top seed Wang Zhi Yi of China or Vietnam’s Nguyen Thuy Linh in the semi-finals.

“She (Michelle) played quite well and was strong mentally at the start. I tried to get a big lead but she was calmer than me and that put extra pressure on me,” said Ratchanok, who doesn't like to focus too much on past results or head-to-head records.

She said her main priority is to always concentrate fully on her own game and ensure she gives her best on the court, regardless of the opponent. 

Asked about her preparations for the highly anticipated semi-final showdown, Ratchanok kept it simple.

“My preparation starts today by eating well and sleeping well. That’s very important. If I meet the Chinese player, I know she’s strong and likes to play long rallies, so I need to be really fit,” she said.

-- BERNAMA