It turned out to be quite a marathon between the two superstars as Ratchanok played her way into the final winning 21-14, 20-22, 21-14.

The crowd in Odense almost seemed a tiny bit starstruck as the two superstars in women’s singles, Tai Tzu Ying and Ratchanok Intanon, entered the main hall in Odense. 

The two competitors are known for having the best technical skills in women’s singles and there was obviously a great deal of respect between the two of them, as they acknowledge each other before the match started by bowing their heads in respect for one another.

Ratchanok had lost their three previous matches and has a lower rank than her opponent today, but that didn’t affect the previous World Champion who, of course, was glad to have won.

- I am really happy right now. Before the match I didn’t think about that she is world number one and I didn’t think about that I lost to her the last couples of times, I just thought about the game and how I could win today, says Ratchanok.

Click here to see all of the today's results from the semifinals at DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR

Ratchanok got a great start and got an 11-3 lead after just 6 minutes of play and a minimum of mistakes. After the interval Ratchanok started making the mistakes she hadn’t been making so far and at 14-15 Tai was almost back in the game.

Then, Ratchanok stepped up her game, eliminated the mistakes again, played 7 great points and claimed the first game 21-14 bringing her one step closer to tomorrow’s final here at DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR.

In the second game, the roles were reversed as Tai got a great start leading 9-4 but then Ratchanok seemed to get back on track and fought her way back to an 11-10 lead. 

After the interval, the Thai just kept playing amazing with one beautifully build up rally ended by an incredible shot after the other, but Tai wouldn’t let go and made Ratchanok taste her own medicine. 

At this point, the crowd really got a taste of the wonderful technical skills both Tai and Ratchanok possess and they were truly amazed. Down 18-20 Ratchanok saved to game point bringing her back at 20-20 only to see Tai win the next two rallies claiming the second game 22-20.

The third game started at the same high technical level as the second had ended. Beautiful shots, great movement and to players who gave everything they had in them in every rally. In short, world-class technique and world-class badminton.

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In spite of close rallies, Ratchanok was able to win most of them bringing her ahead 11-4 as the two competitors changed sides. From that point, Ratchanok never looked back and as she secured the win 21-14 she was so happy that she screamed her lounges out.

- My performance today was good, especially in the start of the third game. Last time I had problems with my fitness and lack of confidence but today I felt much more confident and my fitness was good, says Ratchanok and continues.

- Before I came here I was training very hard. I think I won today because of my confidence and my attack was good. Also, I didn’t make many mistakes and I had more speed and felt more confident in the long rallies than I have in a long time, she says happily.

Tomorrow she will play Akane Yamaguchi from Japan in the final of the 2017 DANISA DENMARK OPEN presented by VICTOR and that could be thrilling one!