Reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin bolstered her chances of defending in Tokyo later this year after claiming the Thailand Open in Bangkok Sunday over top seed Tai Tzu-ying.
Despite having a cold, fourth seed Viktor Axelsen of Denmark was electric in the men’s final against Hong Kong’s Angus Long, ranked eighth, claiming the title in straight sets.
Spaniard Marin, 27, a former world number one, was an imposing force with razor-sharp smashes, clever net work and an unmatched level of aggression and agility.
She screamed in delight as she won match point in the second set after steam-rolling…