Phuket teen nets badminton gold

PHUKET CITY: Phuket badminton star Maneepong Jongjit, 18, helped to secure Thailand’s first-ever gold medal at the Yonex-Sunrise BWF World Junior Championship in Malaysia earlier this month, winning the mixed doubles title with partner Rodjana Chuthabunditkul.

Maneepong and Rodjana overcame Indonesian duo Angga Pratama and Destiara Haris Della by two sets to one (21-19, 14-21, 21-17) in 38 minutes to write their names in Thai badminton history.

Ratchanok Intanon, 14, completed a golden week for the Land of Smiles when she overcame compatriot Porntip Buranaprasertsuk 21-15, 21-23, 21-10 in the final of the girl’s singles, becoming the youngest ever World Junior Champion.

Maneepong and Rodjana went into the final full of confidence on the back of an impressive straight sets win over second seeds Liu Peixuan and Xia Huan of China.

The Thai duo took a close first set before losing the second by seven points, handing the momentum to their opponents.

Despite the setback, Maneepong and Rodjana rallied back in the final game to secure the victory.

After returning to Phuket, Maneepong told the Gazette that he was proud to have brought success to Thailand and Thai badminton.

“I am glad and very proud that Rodjana and I have won this trophy for Thailand,” he said.

“I want to say thank you to my parents for encouraging me and to Sutthipong Tanpongjareon, who always supports me.”

Maneepong has been playing badminton for 11 years, starting out when he was just seven years old.

With his first global title under his belt, Maneepong now has ambitions to bring further success to Thailand in the future.

” I hope to be able to represent Thailand at the Olympic Games some day,” he said.

“I will try my hardest to win gold and bring more success to my country.”

— Kitima Pornmongkhonwat