Ratchanok Intanon and Supanida Katethong advanced to the women’s singles last 16 round of the US$750,000 BWF Japan Open in Osaka yesterday.
Mixed doubles stars Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai and men’s doubles duo Supak Jomkoh and Kittinupong Kedren also progressed at Maruzen Intec Arena Osaka.
Eighth seed Ratchanok defeated Thai compatriot Busanan Ongbamrungphan 22-20, 21-17 in the first round. She will next play China’s Han Yue, who defeated Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland 21-17, 21-14.
Unseeded Supanida battled past Yeo Jia Min of Singapore 11-21, 21-6, 23-21 to set…