Osaka under cover: Wig and shades keep Naomi anonymous

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/sports/30362652

Japan's Naomi Osaka reacts after a point against Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova.
Japan’s Naomi Osaka reacts after a point against Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova.

Osaka under cover: Wig and shades keep Naomi anonymous

sports January 21, 2019 16:08

By AFP

Naomi Osaka says she needs to wear a wig and sunglasses to stay anonymous in Japan since her profile soared into the stratosphere after her stunning victory at the US Open.

The bubbly 21-year-old’s achievement in New York made her the first player from her country to win a major, and with it came fanatical support.

She’s not complaining, but took precautions when back there recently.

“I mean, I didn’t really walk outside. I just went in the car and stuff,” she said after winning through to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Monday.

“When I did, I went at night and had a wig on. For me, it was very fun.”

She said the wig was her sister’s idea.

“She was, like, ‘You know what you should do? You should bring this wig and if you want to walk around, just throw it on and put on some sunglasses’.

“I personally think she was making it a bigger deal than it had to be. Honestly, I feel like people don’t look at other people when they’re walking around,” she added.

“I get that I’m tan and I would stand out a little bit in Japan. But I think the only way people would really care is if I’m wearing some sort of athletic gear, if I was walking around with my tennis racquet.”

Osaka’s mother Tamaki is Japanese, but her father Leonard is from Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world.

While Osaka is a frequent visitor to Japan, she hasn’t spent much time in Haiti.

But each time she has been back has reinforced how lucky she is.

“For me, it’s a very humbling experience to go back, because you see so many people that don’t have much, and then you go back to your house and everything that you take for granted you start appreciating it more,” she said.

“Because when you go there and you see people, like, literally, they have to walk miles for water and it’s just like, ‘Why are you complaining about your life’? Yeah, for me, I felt very grateful to go there.”

JAZZ BREAKS INTO WORLD’S TOP-100 FOLLOWING SMBC SINGAPORE OPEN VICTORY

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/sports/30362650

Jazz Janewattananond
Jazz Janewattananond

JAZZ BREAKS INTO WORLD’S TOP-100 FOLLOWING SMBC SINGAPORE OPEN VICTORY

sports January 21, 2019 16:04

By Agencies

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond has been elevated into the higher echelons of professional golf after winning the US$1,000,000 SMBC Singapore Open.

The 23-year-old Jazz broke into the top-100 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) for the first time in his career. He moved 37 places from 111st to 74th after earning 24 OWGR points upon his win at the Sentosa Golf Club.

Jazz was up against a star-studded field that included the best golfers from the Asian Tour and the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO), as well as global stars Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey and Davis Love III.

The Thai hotshot was enjoying a rich vein of form going into the Asian Tour season opener, having secured a fifth-place finish on the Asian Development Tour’s Boonchu Ruangkit Championship the previous week. He also posted top-fives at the Queen’s Cup hosted by Jaidee Foundation in late November and the BNI Indonesian Masters in December.

Jazz lived up to his tag as a top contender by lifting the coveted trophy. The key to his success at the SMBC Singapore Open was to adopt a more relaxed mindset in the final round.

“I wasn’t expecting to win. I was only going for The Open ticket,” said Jazz, now a three-time winner on the Asian Tour.

He only felt the pressure after the turn on Sunday, and it mounted after he made a bogey on the 13th that cut his lead to one. However, he held his nerve to win the tournament, which comes with a US$180,000 prize cheque and The Open spot that he was aiming for.

To add the icing on the cake, Jazz set a new tournament record for winning total with a score of 18-under-par 266, surpassing the mark of 267 set by Adam Scott in 2010.

Jazz added: “Breaking into the world’s top-100 is a great deal for me, and winning the Singapore Open is a great achievement. I am going home to celebrate with my family tonight. My dad went for surgery recently, and I want to see him now and share this trophy with him.”

Compatriot Prom Meesawat will also be heading back to Thailand in a triumphant mood as he got his season off to a good start by finishing in tied-fifth. He shares second place on the Asian Tour Habitat for Humanity Standings with Korea’s Doyeob Mun. Both Prom and Mun have also earned a spot at The 148th Open at Royal Portrush.

Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul followed up his brilliant showing at the Asian Tour Qualifying School with a tied-seventh finish in Singapore. He is fourth on the money list.

The Asian Tour will be heading next to the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth, which will be happening from Feb 14 to 17 at the Lake Karrinyup Country Club.

Top players on the Habitat for Humanity Standings

Pos  Player  Order of Merit  (US$)

1. Jazz JANEWATTANANOND (THA) $180,000.00

2. Doyeob MUN (KOR)   $37,150.00

2. Prom MEESAWAT (THA) $37,150.00

4. Gunn CHAROENKUL (THA) $26,500.00

5. Panuphol PITTAYARAT (THA) $19,316.67

5. Jarin TODD (USA) $19,316.67

7. Kazuki HIGA (JPN) $14,266.67

7. Masahiro KAWAMURA (JPN) $14,266.67

7. Berry HENSON (USA) $14,266.67

7. Yikeun CHANG (KOR) $14,266.67

11. Miguel TABUENA (PHI) $11,091.67

11. Jake HIGGINBOTTOM (AUS)$11,091.67

11. Phachara KHONGWATMAI (THA) $11,091.67

11. Chapchai NIRAT (THA) $11,091.67

Jazz lifts up biggest career title in Singapore Open

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/sports/30362579

Jazz Janewattananond
Jazz Janewattananond

Jazz lifts up biggest career title in Singapore Open

sports January 20, 2019 16:24

By The Nation and Agencies

Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond found his winning rhythm when he closed with a six-under-par 65 to take home the SMBC Singapore Open trophy for his third Asian Tour title and also seal his passage to The Open on Sunday.

The 23-year-old arrived in Singapore on the back of a rich vein of form to establish himself as one of the genuine contenders in the Japan Tour co-sanctioned event which offers four wild cards to leading four players (not otherwise exempt) who finish in the top-12 and ties on the final leaderboard for The Open in July.

He did not disappoint as he shrugged off the challenges of a host of quality players including Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey and Davis Love III to become the third Thai after Thaworn Wiratchant (2001) and Prayad Marksaeng (2017) to lift his third Asian Tour title with a winning total of 18-under-par 266.

“I wasn’t expecting to win actually. I was going for The Open ticket. I felt the pressure when I got to the back nine today. I had a three-shot lead after turning in 21. I know anything can happen on this course. I was just trying to hit the fairways and greens. I’m so happy as this is the biggest win in my career” said Jazz who has three Asian Tour under his belts, winning the Banglaseh Open in 2017 and Queen’s Cup at home last year.

Jazz will have his second shot at The Open after winning a slot from tied third finish in Singapore last year. He however did not make the cut at the Open.

“Getting into The Open last year was probably the best thing that has happened in my career so far. I remembered I spoke to Kiradech Aphibarnrat a lot last year before heading to Carnoustie. It was a really great experience. I learned a lot that week and I am vey excited to be making my second appearance at Royal Portrush this July,” added Jazz who will reach the top 100 in the world rankings for the first time.

“ Breaking into the world’s top-100 is a great deal for me. When I was younger, I always say I want to be the first Thai to play on the PGA Tour and the first Thai to win a Major but now, in reality, I think Kiradech has a good chance to win a Major,” said Jazz or officially kwon as Attiwit who has Kiradech Aphibarnrat as his role model.

“ I always watch him play. I spent a lot of time with him and Thongchai when we played in Europe last year. Players like Boonchu Ruangkit, Thongchai Jaidee and Thaworn Wiratchant have been the role models whom we all look up to in Thailand,” said Jazz who won US$180,00.

Casey surmounted a strong challenge by signing for a 65 but it was never going to be enough to catch Jazz, who was unstoppable on the Sunday afternoon at the Sentosa Golf Club.

The Englishman had to settle for a share of second place with overnight leader, Yoshinori Fujimoto of Japan.

England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick, who was making his debut at the SMBC Singapore Open, closed with a 69 to take outright fourth place while Thailand’s Promm Meesawat and Korea’s Doyeob Mun share not only fifth place but will also make their way together to Royal Portrush in July.

Tsitsipas in dreamland after shocking Federer at Australian Open

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/sports/30362614

Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas reacts after a point against Switzerland's Roger Federer.
Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas reacts after a point against Switzerland’s Roger Federer.

Tsitsipas in dreamland after shocking Federer at Australian Open

sports January 21, 2019 06:40

By AFP

Fiery Greek tyro Stefanos Tsitsipas said it was a “dream come true” after knocking defending champion Roger Federer out of the Australian Open in the fourth round Sunday.

The NextGen Finals winner stunned the world number three, who is 17 years his senior, 6-7 (11-13), 7-6 (7/3), 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) on Rod Laver Arena.

“That moment is definitely something that I will never, ever, ever forget,” said Tsitsipas.

“This match point is going to stay, I’m pretty much sure, forever, for the rest of my life.

“Roger is a legend of our sport. I have so much respect for him. It’s a dream come true, my idol became my rival today.”

Tsitsipas, seeded 14, became the first Greek in history to reach the quarter-finals of a Slam

“There’s nothing really I can say to describe this,” added the 20-year-old, bursting with emotion. “I’m the happiest man on earth right now.”

The pair’s only previous meeting in the mixed team Hopman Cup earlier this month was also tight affair that went to two tiebreaks.

Federer prevailed that day but was at a loss to explain how he created 12 points to break the powerful Tsitsipas serve over four sets on Rod Laver Arena and converted none.

“It definitely didn’t go the way I was hoping on the break points,” a despondent Federer told reporters immediately after his hopes of winning a record seventh Australian Open were shattered.

 

– ‘ Something is wrong’ –

 

“I also didn’t break him at the Hopman Cup, so clearly something is wrong how I return him, what I’m trying to do.

“He’s doing a good job to defend them.”

Tsitsipas said he just tried to stay confident and keep to his game plan under as Federer ramped up the pressure.

“I think I was just very aggressive from the very beginning from his return,” Tsitsipas said. “I managed to not make any mistakes, stay in the point, make him play.”

The first set tiebreaker was an epic tussle that ended unfortunately when a fan jumped the gun and shouted “out” on a Tsitsipas forehand causing the Greek to miss his next shot.

The second set also went to a tiebreak but this time Tsitsipas quickly took two points against Federer’s serve to level the match.

At 4-5 in the third, Tsitsipas forced his first two break points which Federer saved. But he could not repeat the feat at 5-6 and a 42nd unforced error into the net saw the veteran behind for the first time in the championship.

“I felt like I have to win the second set,” said Federer. “I don’t care how I do it, but I have to do it. Cost me the game tonight.”

Tsitsipas called the trainer in the changeover after the seventh game of the fourth set as he began to cramp on a warm and sticky night.

Federer couldn’t take advantage of his opponent’s plight and Tsitsipas sealed the win on his first match point in the third tiebreak of the match.

“I lost to a better player who was playing very well tonight,” said Federer. “Hung in there, gave himself chances at some point, stayed calm.

“It’s not always easy, especially for younger guys. Credit to him for taking care of that.”

Tsitsipas will meet Spain’s 22nd seed Roberto Bautista Agut in the quarter-finals.

“This win is a good milestone, let’s say good first step to something bigger,” said Tsitsipas.

Federer, Kerber stunned as Nadal powers into Open quarters

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/sports/30362613

Roger Federer waves to the crowd as he leaves the court after his defeat against Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Roger Federer waves to the crowd as he leaves the court after his defeat against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Federer, Kerber stunned as Nadal powers into Open quarters

sports January 21, 2019 06:37

By AFP

Defending champion Roger Federer was stunned by fiery Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas who ended his bid for a record seventh Australian Open Sunday on a day of upsets that also saw second seed Angelique Kerber crash out.

Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates his victory against Switzerland’s Roger Federer.

The Swiss master caved in under the energy and pressure of a man 17 years his junior to tumble out 6-7 (11/13), 7-6 (7/3), 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) in the last 16 on Rod Laver Arena.

World number two Kerber was also sensationally bundled out by a woman playing the event for the first time, with American Danielle Collins humiliating the Wimbledon champion 6-0, 6-2 in under an hour.

The man Federer beat in last year’s final, sixth seed Marin Cilic, was also sent packing by Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, who now plays Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals.

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Shaparova and fifth seed Sloane Stephens were others to fall, but there was no such drama for a rampant Rafael Nadal who powered into the last eight with a straight sets win over Tomas Berdych.

Federer was gunning for a 21st Grand Slam title but had a battle on his hands from off against the 20-year-old, touted among the new generation of young stars as a future champion.

“I’m the happiest man on Earth right now, I cannot describe it,” said the 14th seed, who is the first Greek in history to reach the quarter-finals of a Slam.

“I’ve been idolising him (Federer) since the age of six. It was a dream come true for me just being on Rod Laver facing him. Winning at the end, I can’t describe it.”

The Swiss great denied the defeat signalled a changing of the guard.

“I’ve heard that story the last 10 years. From that standpoint, nothing new there,” he said.

Wimbledon winner and 2016 champion Kerber, the bookies’ favourite along with Serena Williams after defending champion Caroline Wozniacki was ousted early, was no match for Collins, ranked 35 in the world.

Collins is little known after playing much of her tennis in the US college system and was making her debut in the main draw at Melbourne Park. She had never won a Grand Slam match before this year.

“I may not have won a Grand Slam match before this but I tell you, it’s going to keep happening,” said the 25-year-old. “I better have many more of these.”

Her next assignment is against unseeded Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who beat Stephens 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-3 in a late night epic.

– Chipping away –

 

Men’s second seed Nadal, returning from foot surgery, barrelled past former world number four Tomas Berdych 6-0, 6-1, 7-6 (7/4) as he stays on track for an 18th Grand Slam title.

“I always say the same when I am back for injury,” said the Spaniard. “I don’t expect negative or positive things. I just try to do my work every day and just be with (the) right attitude every single day.”

He will play world number 39 Frances Tiafoe for a place in the semi-finals after the young American celebrated his 21st birthday by grinding down Grigor Dimitrov 7-5, 7-6 (8/6), 6-7 (1/7), 7-5.

Hometown hero Ashleigh Barty also made the last eight after muscling past Sharapova and will next meet Petra Kvitova.

Sharapova claimed her biggest scalp since completing a drugs ban in 2017 when she rolled Wozniacki in round three and looked on track to carry the momentum forward.

The 30th seed won the first set but then fell to pieces, eventually succumbing 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.

“I knew I had to keep chipping away — in a sense, trust the work we’ve done. I know that I can match it with the best,” said Barty, seeded 15.

Next up for the diminutive 22-year-old is Kvitova, who beat Barty in the final of the warm-up Sydney International this month.

The two-time Wimbledon champion beat 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 6-1 to match her best performance at a major since being slashed in a terrifying attack at her home in late 2016 that left her with lasting nerve damage in her fingers.

Ji wins LPGA Tournament of Champions, Moriya lands tied 4th

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/sports/30362612

Ji Eun-hee poses with her trophy. (LPGA Photo)
Ji Eun-hee poses with her trophy. (LPGA Photo)

Ji wins LPGA Tournament of Champions, Moriya lands tied 4th

sports January 21, 2019 06:32

By AFP

Ji Eun-hee won the LPGA Tournament of Champions on Sunday, firing a one-under par 70 for a two-shot triumph over fellow South Korean Lee Mi-rim.

On a day when chillier temperatures and gusty winds made life more difficult at the Four Seasons Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Ji shook off back-to-back opening bogeys to seize her fifth LPGA title.

The 32-year-old, a former US Women’s Open champion whose 2017 Swinging Skirts Taiwan triumph saw her end an eight-year title drought, has now won at least one tournament in three straight seasons.

She started the day tied for the lead with New Zealand’s former world number one Lydia Ko and they remained tied atop the board after nine holes.

But Ko’s challenge faded with a double-bogey at 13, promptly followed by a bogey at 14. She made her only birdie of the day at the 16th, but a disappointing day ended on a down note when Ko was in the hazard at the par-3 18th on the way to another double-bogey and a six-over 77.

That left her in eighth place, seven shots adrift.

Ji finished with five birdies and four bogeys on the day. Lee applied some pressure with birdies at the 10th, 13th and 16th that moved her to 12-under and that’s where she finished after her three-under 68.

A bogey at 15 dropped Ji to 13-under, but she responded with a three-foot birdie at the par-four 16th to give herself a cushion over the last two holes.

Ji said the format of the new season-opening event, which features celebrities playing alongside LPGA winners from the past two seasons, made for a relaxing week.

“It made it more fun,” she said. “I didn’t get nervous.”

American Nelly Korda finished third, balancing two bogeys and two birdies in her even par 71 for 273.

Thailand’s Moriya Jutanugarn and China’s Feng Shanshan shared fourth on 274.

Lippi joy as China fight back to reach Asia’s last eight

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/sports/30362611

Sirisak Yodyadthai performs a Thai wai to China's coach Marcello Lippi after the game.
Sirisak Yodyadthai performs a Thai wai to China’s coach Marcello Lippi after the game.

Lippi joy as China fight back to reach Asia’s last eight

sports January 21, 2019 06:24

By AFP

Coach Marcello Lippi hailed China’s fightback on Sunday after they staged a second-half revival to beat Thailand 2-1 and reach the Asian Cup quarter-finals.

The giant nation were all at sea as they fell behind to Supachai Jaided’s opener but they hit back after the break through substitute Xiao Zhi and Gao Lin’s well-taken penalty.

It meant China live to fight another day under Lippi, who is expected to step down after the Asian Cup, while Thailand will know they were beaten by a superior team.

“I’m very satisfied with the win. It was not an easy game because the opponent was very tough,” said Lippi, who coached his native Italy to victory at the 2006 World Cup.

“We didn’t play very well in the first half because we made a few mistakes but I’m very happy with the reaction from my players, especially in the second half where in the end we created many chances.

“It was a great performance in the second half, so I’m very happy for the victory and the fact that we got to the quarter-final.”

In an open start, Theerathon Bunmathan saw a free kick tipped over and Wu Lei had an attempt smothered by Thai goalkeeper Siwarak Tedsungnoen before Thailand went ahead on 31 minutes.

From a corner, in front of Thailand’s drumming and singing fans, Thitiphan Puangjan’s miscued shot fell to Supachai, who turned and rammed it past Chinese goalie Yan Junling from close range.

Supachai Jaided reacts after scoring a goal for Thailand.

– ‘No shame in losing’ –

 

The chances were falling thick and fast for Thailand and the “Thai Messi” Chanathip Songkrasin was adjudged to have fouled Feng Xiaoting as he jinked his way into a scoring opportunity.

China looked distinctly rattled, but they nearly hit back just before half-time when Yu Dabao flashed his header wide from Hao Junmin’s free kick.

China’s star man Wu Lei, who missed their final group game with a shoulder injury, missed a series of chances after the break, including one when he embarrassingly sliced an easy shot well wide.

But a resurgent China were piercing the Thai defence again and again and on the hour mark, only Siwarak’s legs preserved Thailand’s lead when he parried Yu’s goal-bound shot from point-blank range.

China finally scored midway through the second half when substitute forward Xiao, three minutes after coming on, headed straight at Siwarak before prodding home the rebound.

The onslaught didn’t stop and after Gao was brought down by Chalermpong Kerdkaew, he nervelessly swept the spot-kick high into the net for a 2-1 lead.

Thailand weren’t going down without a fight and in injury time, Teerasil Dangda wasted a good chance and Pansa Hemviboon had Yan at full stretch with a powerful shot.

But ultimately it was China who joined Vietnam in the last eight, after the Southeast Asian champions stunned Jordan on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in Dubai.

It ends a rollercoaster tournament for Thailand, who sacked their coach Milovan Rajevac after their 4-1 drubbing by India but recovered well to reach the last 16.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t qualify for the last eight but this is already a bonus given how we started the competition,” said interim coach Sirisak Yodyadthai.

“It’s a pity that we couldn’t keep it at 1-0,” he added. “I’m very proud of the players, there’s no shame in losing.”

Successful title defence campaign for Ratchanok

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/sports/30362575

  • Ratchanok Intanon poses with her gold medal. (Badminton Photo)

Successful title defence campaign for Ratchanok

sports January 21, 2019 01:00

By The Nation

The resurgent Ratchanok Intanon regained her master class form again as she toppled three-time world champion Carolina Marin of Spain 21-9 22-20 to defend her BWF Super 500 Malaysia Masters crown yesterday.

Twelve months after winning her last title which happened at this Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, the 23-year-old world No 8 appeared to have a cruise to victory, building a 21-9 19-13 lead over the sixth-ranked Spaniard before the latter staged a gutsy fightback.

The left-handed Marin, out of no where, reeled off seven points in a row to surge ahead at 20-19 by utilising well-placed shots and at the same time benefitted by a brief bout of nerves from the Thai.

The defending champion had a Lady of Luck on her side when a shot hit the tap of the net to set up an easy point for her to smash for 20 all. She regained the lead to be on the threshold of victory again with impressive rallies before Marin gave in eventually by netting a forehand smash.

“I’m so glad to successfully defend my title,” said Ratchanok who has never dropped a game in all five rounds. “I’m happy with the way I have been performing this week. In the final although there was some moment that I lost my focus I still fought my way back to close out the match,” added Ratchanok in her first BWF event of the year after taking part in the University Games in Unbon Ratchathani and just flew to KL on Tuesday.

“This is such a great way to start the year. I hope to continue this form going to Indonesia next week,” added Ratchanok who is committed to the Indonesia Masters which begins in Jakarta on Tuesday. She reached the semi-final before losing to Saina Nehwal of India 21-19 21-19 last year.

Ratchanok has won a total 17 titles on the BWF World Tour level and BWF sanctioned events including the World Championships in 2013 and Asian Championshipsin 2015.

Meanwhile in mixed doubles final, Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Terattanachai had to settle as runners-up again, losing to world No 3 and top seeded Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino of Japan 21-18 21-18. They also lost the final to Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying of Malaysia  in the Thailand Masterslast Sunday.

In men’s singles, Son Wan Ho of South Korea lifted up his ninth BWF title after he upset Olympic gold medalist Chen Long of China 21-17 21-19.

Successful title defence campaign for Ratchanok

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/sports/30362575

Successful title defence campaign for Ratchanok

sports January 20, 2019 14:46

By The Nation

Ratchanok Intanon successfully defended her Malaysia Masters crown after she edged out world No 6 Carolina Marin of Spain in the women’s finals in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

The Thai ace appeared to have a cruise to victory when she was leading 21-9 19-14 before the three-time world champion rallied back to surge ahead at 20-19.

The gutsy Thai dug deep to win the next three points to seal off the victory for her first title in a year.

In mixed doubles final, Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Terattanachai had to settle for second best, losing to world No 3 and top seeded Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino of Japan 21-18 21-18.

SARUTA UPSETS PACIO TO CAPTURE ONE STRAWWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/sports/30362569

Yosuke “Tobizaru” Saruta lands a punch on Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of the Philippines.
Yosuke “Tobizaru” Saruta lands a punch on Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of the Philippines.

SARUTA UPSETS PACIO TO CAPTURE ONE STRAWWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

sports January 20, 2019 10:23

By Agencies

Jakarta – ONE Championship™ (ONE) electrified the Istora Senayan once again last Saturday night, 19 January at ONE: ETERNAL GLORY.

The first ONE Championship live event in 2019 kicked the year off in style, as the absolute best in local and international martial arts talent took center stage. In the main event, Japan’s Yosuke “Tobizaru” Saruta was crowned the new ONE Strawweight World Champion with a split decision victory over the Philippines’ Joshua “The Passion” Pacio.

Visit the official ONE: ETERNAL GLORY photo gallery by clicking: https://bit.ly/onephotos.

Japanese martial arts veteran Yosuke “Tobizaru” Saruta put together a tremendous performance, scoring a monumental upset of now former champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of the Philippines to capture the ONE Strawweight World Championship. Saruta was relentless with his chain wrestling, taking Pacio down on numerous occasions while trading powerful combinations on the feet. Throughout five action-packed rounds, both Saruta and Pacio put forth their best effort. In the end, it was Saruta who was able to garner two of the three judges’ nods to win by split decision.

In a ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest, Thailand’s Mongkolpetch Petchyindee Academy and New Zealand’s Alexi Serepisos put together an inspiring battle between world-class strikers. Over the course of three back-and-forth rounds, it was Mongkolpetch who proved to be faster and stronger, constantly a step ahead of his opponent throughout the contest. In the end, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Mongkolpetch to win by unanimous decision.

Singapore’s Christian “The Warrior” Lee turned in a dominant performance over the Philippines’Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly, finishing the Filipino Team Lakay veteran in the first round with punches. After a brief exchange on the feet, Lee took matters to the ground and worked himself into full mount. From top, Lee pounded Kelly with downward strikes until the referee called a halt to the contest.

In a spirited encounter between two talented atomweights, Indian wushu champion Puja “The Cyclone” Tomar scored an upset victory when she defeated hometown hero Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol of Indonesia. Tomar used her striking to tag Lumban Gaol repeatedly with counter right hands while showcasing solid grappling offense and defense across three rounds. In the end, two of three judges saw the bout in Tomar’s favor to win by split decision.

English Muay Thai champion Jonathan “The General” Haggerty was impressive in his ONE Super Series debut as he outstruck Italy’s Joseph “The Hurricane” Lasiri to earn a unanimous decision win in a Muay Thai contest. Haggerty was on point in the opening round, unloading a storm of thunderous kicks and pinpoint-accurate elbows on his Italian opponent. Lasiri rallied back in the second round, connecting on an early knee, but it was Haggerty who was accurate all throughout the bout. After three rounds of back-and-forth action, it was Haggerty who was declared the victor.

Filipino striker Robin “D’ Ilonggo” Catalan put on an all-around dominant performance, shutting down Indonesian grappler Stefer “The Lion” Rahardian en route to a unanimous decision victory. Catalan was a step ahead on all fronts, as he easily prevented Rahardian’s takedowns, while also picking the hometown favorite apart in the striking department and landing some takedowns of his own. After three rounds of action, it was Catalan who walked away with the win on all three of the judges’ scorecards.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Bruno “Puccibull” Pucci of Brazil earned the biggest victory of his career thus far, submitting former ONE Lightweight World Champion Kotetsu “No Face” Boku of Japan in the first round of their featherweight clash. Pucci was relentless in his pursuit of the takedown, pushing Boku to the fence until finally putting the Japanese veteran on his back. Once on the ground, Pucci put on a grappling clinic, dominating Boku before sinking in a deep rear-naked choke to force the tap.

South Korea’s Kwon “Pretty Boy” Won Il kept his undefeated record intact after scoring a stunning first-round TKO victory over the streaking Anthony “The Archangel” Engelen of The Netherlands. The rangier Kwon pushed the action and utilized his reach advantage to land a well-timed right jab that stunned and dropped Engelen early in the opening round. Kwon pounced on the grounded Engelen and put on the finishing touches to end the bout after just 67 seconds.

Former ONE World Title challenger Koji “The Commander” Ando triumphed with a dominant performance against Rasul Yakhyaev. Ando showcased his pinpoint striking early on, setting up his jabs to land his stinging left straights. Yakhyaev gamely traded strikes with the Japanese veteran, but it didn’t deter Ando from consistently connecting on his combinations. After three grueling rounds, two of three judges saw the bout in favor of Ando, winning by way of hard-earned split decision.

China’s Niu Kang Kang left a lasting impression in his ONE Championship debut, knocking out hometown hero “The Terminator” Sunoto in the first round. Niu only needed 31 seconds to get the job done, shutting the lights off on Sunoto with a thunderous high kick.

Indonesia’s Aziz “The Krauser” Calim made quick work of compatriot Adi “Zenwalk” Paryanto in a strawweight contest. Calim effortlessly imposed his will on his opponent, scoring a takedown and latching himself on Paryanto’s back. With seconds remaining in the first round, Calim went for the finish, fastening a deep rear-naked choke to force Paryanto to tap.

Setting the tone for an action-packed evening was a featherweight bout between Indonesian martial artistsOscar Yaqut and Andreas “Yhayaz” Satyawan. Yaqut, a National Sanda Gold Medalist, did not disappoint in his promotional debut, rattling Satyawan with a combination of solid strikes from the start. In the second round, Yaqut completed the technical knockout victory with a series of powerful blows.

Official results for ONE: ETERNAL GLORY

ONE Strawweight World Championship bout: Yosuke Saruta defeats Joshua Pacio by Split Decision (SD) after 5 rounds

ONE Super Series Muay Thai Flyweight bout: Mongkolpetch Petchyindee Academy defeats Alexi Serepisos by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Featherweight bout: Christian Lee defeats Edward Kelly by TKO (Strikes) at 2:53 minutes of round 1

Women’s Atomweight bout: Puja Tomar defeats Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds

ONE Super Series Muay Thai Flyweight bout: Jonathan Haggerty defeats Joseph Lasiri by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Strawweight bout: Robin Catalan defeats Stefer Rahardian by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Featherweight bout: Bruno Pucci defeats Kotetsu Boku by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:32 minutes of round 1

Featherweight bout: Kwon Won Il defeats Anthony Engelen by TKO (Strikes) at 1:07 minutes of round 1

Lightweight bout: Koji Ando defeats Rasul Yakhyaev by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds

Catch Weight bout (68.0KG): Niu Kang Kang defeats Sunoto by Knockout (KO) at 0:31 minutes of round 1

Strawweight bout: Aziz Calim defeats Adi Paryanto by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:40 minutes of round 1

Featherweight bout: Oscar Yaqut defeats Andreas Satyawan by TKO (Strikes) at 2:36 minutes of round 2