Ratchanok likely to meet Phittayaporn

World No.8 Ratchanok Intanon could face her Thai compatriot Phittayaporn Chaiwan in the second round of the world championships later this month.

The tournament, which features 363 players, will be held from Aug 22-28 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Japan.

Ratchanok, who won the world title in 2013, received a bye in the first round (last 64) of the women’s singles, following yesterday’s draw.

Phittayaporn will meet Taiwan’s Pai Yu-po in the opening round.

Ratchanok, 27, is seeking her second title of the year, having won the Malaysia Open crown last month.

Also in her half of the draw are world No.2 Tai Tzu-ying from Taiwan, Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara…