Puritat Aree clinched the boys' U17 singles title yesterday at the final qualifying leg of the 1.5-million-baht SCG Junior Championship badminton tournament at SCG Academy in Bangkok.
Second seed Puritat, a runner-up last year, proved too strong for his younger opponent Panitchapol Theerarstsakul, winning their title showdown 21-11, 26-24.
"I'm so happy to win today, but I know I must improve a lot for the finals," said a jubilant Puritat, who was forced to work harder in the second set against the tenacious Panitchapol before closing out the victory in 47 minutes.
Panitchapol moved up to the U17 category this year after winning both singles and doubles titles in the U15 event last year.
Meanwhile, in the girls' U17 final, Thamonwan Nithi-Ittikrai took only 36 minutes to power past Natchanok Laisuan 21-16, 21-14.
"It's a step closer to become Thailand champion," said Thamonwan, the U15 champion last year. "It'll be harder in the finals but I'll be ready."
In the boys' U15 singles action, Wongsab Wongsab-In beat Ratchapol Intanon 21-16, 21-10 to claim the title, while Patita Srisawat defeated Warisara Dansunthorn 21-15, 21-18 in the girls' singles final.
In the U13 category, Pacharakit Apiratchatasreth outplayed Kongpop Asawa-Arak 21-9, 21-9 to claim the boys' honours while Ratnacha Sompoj edged past Narada Udornpim 21-18, 21-11 to take the girls' crown.
The grand finals will be held on June 4-8 at the same venue.
