Singapore Open: Thai Duo Stun Stoevas
World No.238 Pichamon Phatcharaphisutsin/Nannapas Sukklad claimed the biggest upset of the Singapore Open 2022 first round – and their careers – by outwitting third seeds Gabriela and Stefani Stoeva in three games.
· PREM KUMAR
The Thai women’s pair, who next face Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma/Amalia Cahaya Pratiwi, defeated their world No.9 opponents 21-13 17-21 21-18 at the tournament that is back after a three-year pandemic-enforced hiatus.
Sukklad, 24, revealed senior compatriots Rawinda Prajongjai/Jongkolphan Kititharakul prepared them for the bout with the Bulgarian sisters. Prajongjai/Kititharakul have won two of the most recent clashes with the Stoevas.
“Our seniors guide us a lot. During practice yesterday, they gave us some tips and it helped,” said Sukklad. “It was all teamwork. We only wanted to fight for the best result. Next match, we will discuss with the coach and fight the same way again.”
- Pichamon Phatcharaphisutsin
- Nannapas Sukklad
- Gabriela Stoeva
- Stefani Stoeva
- Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma
- Amallia Cahaya Pratiwi
- Rawinda Prajongjai
- Jongkolphan Kititharakul
- Lee Yang
- Wang Chi-Lin
- Torjus Flaatten
- Vegard Rikheim
- Ong Yew Sin
- Teo Ee Yi
- Supak Jomkoh
- Kittinupong Kedren
- Lu Ching Yao
- Yang Po Han
- Joshua Magee
- Paul Reynolds
- Benyapa Aimsaard
- Nuntakarn Aimsaard
- Supissara Paewsampran
- Puttita Supajirakul