Mai Ratchanok Falls to Japanese Opponent, Exits Thailand Open at Quarterfinal Stage
World No. 7 Mai Ratchanok Intanon lost to Japan's Hina Akeshi in straight sets at the Toyota Thailand Open quarterfinals on May 15, ending her bid for the title.
The Toyota Thailand Open 2026 World Tour Super 500 badminton tournament took place at Nimibutr Sports Building on May 15 in the quarterfinal round of the women's singles competition. World No. 7 Mai Ratchanok Intanon faced off against Japan's Hina Akeshi, ranked No. 28 globally. Mai Ratchanok was defeated in straight sets with scores of 13-21 and 21-16, ending her Thailand Open campaign at the quarterfinal stage.
In another match, former runner-up Mew Pornpawee Chochuwong (world No. 8) competed against fellow Thai player Pink Pichayamol Opasnipat (world No. 27). In a closely contested match, Opasnipat won the first game 21-19, but Chochuwong fought back to claim the second game 21-13, forcing a decisive third game. Opasnipat dominated the final game, winning 21-15 to advance to the semifinal round. She will face world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi, the tournament's No. 1 seed.
