Kathmandu, December 8

Thailand shuttlers dominated the Yonex Sunrise Nepal International Series winning four gold medals, while India claimed the remaining one title here at the Nepal APF Club covered hall today.

Kunlavut Vitidsarn won men’s singles gold medal with a 20-22, 22-20, 21-9 victory over Teck Zhi Shoo of Malaysia, while Chananchida Jucharoen defeated Thet Htar Thuzar of Myanmar 21-18, 10-21, 21-17 in women’s singles final.

Supak Jomkoh and Supissara Paewsampran won third gold for Thailand when they came from a set down to defeat their teammates Panachai Worasaktayanan and Pitchayanin Ungka 19-21, 21-15, 21-14. In the all-Thailand men’s doubles final, Supak Jomkoh and Wachirawit Sothon beat Writ Sarapat and Panachai Worasaktayana 21-11, 21-15.

Indian pair of Arpana Balan and Sruthi KP bagged the women’s doubles gold medal with a 21-16, 21-13 victory over Sri Lankan pair of Thilini Pramodika Hendahewa and Kavidi Sirimannage.

A total of 178 players from 20 nations took part in the five-day competition. Nepal had fielded 29 players — 16 in men’s section and 13 in women’s category — but no one could progress beyond quarter-finals. A total of 77 players fought for men’s singles title, while 43 shuttlers were in fray for women’s singles gold medal. Likewise, 36 and 18 pairs participated in men’s and women’s doubles events respectively, while 32 pairs fought in mixed doubles.

The tournament carried a total cash purse of $10,000. Winners in singles categories earned $750 each and gold medallists in doubles received $790 apiece. Runners-up in all five categories got $290 each, while others in top 16 also received their share of cash prizes.