Thai Para: ‘I Got Tired of Losing’

Ruthick Ragupathi turned the tables on Meril Loquette of France at the Thailand Para Badminton International 2023, winning his SU5 men’s singles group match 27-25 21-18 to book his quarterfinal place.

It was the Indian’s first win in four singles meetings with Loquette.

“I just got tired of losing so I watched videos of him against others,” said Ragupathi.

“I analysed his game and how his opponents beat him. He plays good rallies patiently so I pushed him to play faster to break his rhythm and it worked.”

Ragupathi, who trains with able-bodied players, added: “I prefer doubles because I can share the court and workload.”

He takes on Japan’s Taiyo Imai tomorrow, then partners countryman Hardik Makkar against China’s Mingpan Li/Shi Shengzhuo in the men’s doubles semifinals.

Japan’s Matsumoto Takumi advanced to the WH2 men’s singles quarterfinals by taking out Mai Jianpeng of China, 14-21 21-12 21-11. He then fell 24-22 21-8 to Korea’s Sooyoung Yu the same evening.

Before his match against Yu, Matsumoto partnered Keita Nishimura in WH1-WH2 men’s doubles to defeat Marc Elmer (Switzerland) and Yuri Ferrigno (Italy) 21-12 21-8.

“I was tired. I’ve never beaten Yu, perhaps the pressure and the fatigue got the better of me,” he conceded.

“Daiki (Kajiwara) will remain the top WH2 player for a while, so for now I’ll work on making No.2 and qualifying for the next Paralympics.”

Matsumoto satisfied being second fiddle for now.

Ilaria Renggli of Switzerland suffered the same fate, winning 21-19 21-17 against Thailand’s Amnouy Wetwithan to make the WH2 women’s singles quarterfinals, only to succumb to Peru’s Pilar Jaurequi Cancino 16-21 21-18 13-21.

“It was a difficult group with Emine (Seckin) and Li Hongyan. Defeating Amnouy for the first time felt good. Facing Pilar, I didn’t give in easily but it was just too hard,” admitted Renggli, who is still in the WH1-WH2 mixed doubles semifinals with Isreali Konstantin Afinogenov.

“Firstly, it’s a different feeling not playing women’s doubles because Cynthia (Mathez) isn’t here. Another new feeling is playing mixed doubles with Konstantin. Without time to really practice, sometimes it’s difficult deciding who takes which shot, especially down the middle,” said Renggli.

Many firsts for Renggli.

India’s Palak Kohli, re-classified from SU5 to SL4, has found a new partner in Naveen Sivakumar.

In SL3-SU5 mixed doubles, Kohli and Sivakumar defeated Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara/Akiko Sugino 21-15 21-15 to set up a quarterfinal against teammates Raj Kumar/Parul Dalsukhbhai Parmar.

“This is our first tournament together so we played a safe game, didn’t make mistakes but we kept up the pace,” said Sivakumar.

Kohli added: “We never had the chance to train together. We don’t even have the same T-shirts.”

New partners Sivakumar and Kohli.

Results (Day 4)

Order of Play (Day 5)

Olympic and Paralympic News

Stars of the Paralympics

Stars of the Paralympics

9 September 2024
Paralympics: Key Takeaways From Paris 2024

Paralympics: Key Takeaways From Paris 2024

6 September 2024
Paralympic Glory for SH6 Warrior

Paralympic Glory for SH6 Warrior

5 September 2024
Noakes Soars to Gold

Noakes Soars to Gold

3 September 2024
#Paris2024 Paralympics: Day 5 in Quotes

#Paris2024 Paralympics: Day 5 in Quotes

3 September 2024
Nitesh Holds Nerve to Deny Bethell Gold

Nitesh Holds Nerve to Deny Bethell Gold

2 September 2024
China Enjoy Gold Rush

China Enjoy Gold Rush

2 September 2024
#Paris2024 Paralympics: Day 4 in Quotes

#Paris2024 Paralympics: Day 4 in Quotes

2 September 2024
Daniel Keeps Final Date With Kajiwara

Daniel Keeps Final Date With Kajiwara

1 September 2024
#Paris2024 Paralympics: Day 3 in Quotes

#Paris2024 Paralympics: Day 3 in Quotes

1 September 2024
Wandschneider in Medal Contention after Marathon Win

Wandschneider in Medal Contention after Marathon Win

31 August 2024
Daughter’s Journey in Mother’s Honour

Daughter’s Journey in Mother’s Honour

31 August 2024
Anrimusthi Stumbles to Fareez Anuar

Anrimusthi Stumbles to Fareez Anuar

31 August 2024
#Paris2024 Paralympics: Day 2 in Quotes

#Paris2024 Paralympics: Day 2 in Quotes

31 August 2024
Former Gymnast Renggli Surprises Second Seed

Former Gymnast Renggli Surprises Second Seed

31 August 2024
Surprise Visitor from Childhood Inspires Kozyna

Surprise Visitor from Childhood Inspires Kozyna

30 August 2024
#Paris2024 Paralympics: Day 1 in Quotes

#Paris2024 Paralympics: Day 1 in Quotes

30 August 2024
Bolaji Eyes Medal to Honour Late Coach

Bolaji Eyes Medal to Honour Late Coach

30 August 2024
‘His Story Must be Told’

‘His Story Must be Told’

29 August 2024
After Emotional Opening Win, a Tribute to Family

After Emotional Opening Win, a Tribute to Family

29 August 2024
Sofie Sagøy Primed for Paris

Sofie Sagøy Primed for Paris

29 August 2024
Mazur Eyes Glory on Home Turf

Mazur Eyes Glory on Home Turf

28 August 2024
In-Form Top Seed Wants to Avoid Slip-Ups

In-Form Top Seed Wants to Avoid Slip-Ups

27 August 2024
Jauregui ‘Honoured’ with Flagbearer Duty

Jauregui ‘Honoured’ with Flagbearer Duty

27 August 2024
‘You Always Need to Think, What Next?’

‘You Always Need to Think, What Next?’

26 August 2024
Paris 2024: Short Stature Stars to Watch

Paris 2024: Short Stature Stars to Watch

25 August 2024
Paralympics Draw: Thrilling Showdowns Anticipated in Paris

Paralympics Draw: Thrilling Showdowns Anticipated in Paris

24 August 2024
Paris 2024: Standing Lower Stars to Watch

Paris 2024: Standing Lower Stars to Watch

23 August 2024
Paris 2024: Standing Upper Stars to Watch

Paris 2024: Standing Upper Stars to Watch

21 August 2024
‘First Time That I’m Not the Hunted One’

‘First Time That I’m Not the Hunted One’

20 August 2024
Paris 2024: Wheelchair Stars to Watch

Paris 2024: Wheelchair Stars to Watch

19 August 2024
Sivan Finds Form as Paralympics Beckons

Sivan Finds Form as Paralympics Beckons

18 August 2024
Paris Awaits Special Paralympians 

Paris Awaits Special Paralympians 

17 August 2024
All Set for Thrilling Showpiece

All Set for Thrilling Showpiece

16 August 2024
Paralympic Champion Pramod Bhagat Suspended for 18 Months

Paralympic Champion Pramod Bhagat Suspended for 18 Months

13 August 2024
4 Nations Para: Koreans Impress

4 Nations Para: Koreans Impress

25 June 2024
4 Nations Para: Best Yet to Come

4 Nations Para: Best Yet to Come

24 June 2024
4 Nations Para: ‘He’s My Teacher, He’s My Brother’

4 Nations Para: ‘He’s My Teacher, He’s My Brother’

23 June 2024
4 Nations Para: Coombs Revelling in the Buzz

4 Nations Para: Coombs Revelling in the Buzz

22 June 2024
4 Nations Para: Joshi’s Meditative Path to Glory

4 Nations Para: Joshi’s Meditative Path to Glory

21 June 2024
4 Nations Para: Brush with Paralympians Inspires Anderson

4 Nations Para: Brush with Paralympians Inspires Anderson

20 June 2024
Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Qualifiers Announced

Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Qualifiers Announced

5 June 2024
Spanish Para I: Pookkham Stuns Satomi to End Lean Spell

Spanish Para I: Pookkham Stuns Satomi to End Lean Spell

28 April 2024
Spanish Para II: Celik Nets Maiden Career Title

Spanish Para II: Celik Nets Maiden Career Title

22 April 2024
‘It’s Like Going Into Battle’

‘It’s Like Going Into Battle’

17 April 2024
Para World Champs: Show of Might from China

Para World Champs: Show of Might from China

25 February 2024
Para World Champs: Cheah Puts Ghost to Rest

Para World Champs: Cheah Puts Ghost to Rest

24 February 2024
Para World Champs: Krajewski/Simon Flying High

Para World Champs: Krajewski/Simon Flying High

23 February 2024
Para World Champs: Season of Promise for De Marco

Para World Champs: Season of Promise for De Marco

22 February 2024
Para World Champs: Chan’s Last Hurrah

Para World Champs: Chan’s Last Hurrah

22 February 2024
Para World Champs: A Special Moment for Jamporn

Para World Champs: A Special Moment for Jamporn

21 February 2024
Para World Champs: Faith, Paris Kept Kohli Going

Para World Champs: Faith, Paris Kept Kohli Going

21 February 2024
Para World Champs: Yang’s Speed Floors Seeded Ramli

Para World Champs: Yang’s Speed Floors Seeded Ramli

20 February 2024
In a Class of Her Own

In a Class of Her Own

17 February 2024
Wiser Chyrkov Aims Higher

Wiser Chyrkov Aims Higher

16 February 2024
Aranguiz Finds His Fit

Aranguiz Finds His Fit

14 February 2024
Ginns Races to Rack Up Points

Ginns Races to Rack Up Points

11 February 2024
Small Town Boy Dreams Big

Small Town Boy Dreams Big

9 February 2024
13-Event Calendar for Para Badminton

13-Event Calendar for Para Badminton

16 January 2024
The Quest for Paralympic Gold

The Quest for Paralympic Gold

3 January 2024
Debut Season Thrills Para Badminton Newcomers

Debut Season Thrills Para Badminton Newcomers

29 December 2023
Looking Back: ‘It’s Been Splendid’

Looking Back: ‘It’s Been Splendid’

23 December 2023
Dubai Para: High Five for China

Dubai Para: High Five for China

18 December 2023
Dubai Para: A First for Shin, Joo and Bolaji

Dubai Para: A First for Shin, Joo and Bolaji

17 December 2023
Dubai Para: Kajiwara Hits a Century

Dubai Para: Kajiwara Hits a Century

16 December 2023
Dubai Para: Fujihara Explores Different Strokes

Dubai Para: Fujihara Explores Different Strokes

15 December 2023
Dubai Para: Jakobs Overlooks the Lows

Dubai Para: Jakobs Overlooks the Lows

14 December 2023
Dubai Para: ‘My Shots Were Perfect’

Dubai Para: ‘My Shots Were Perfect’

13 December 2023
Dubai Para: Monteiro Focused on Meticulous Planning

Dubai Para: Monteiro Focused on Meticulous Planning

12 December 2023
Parapan Am Games: Brazil Dominate

Parapan Am Games: Brazil Dominate

27 November 2023
Rosengren ‘Positive and Happy’ After Malaysia Stint

Rosengren ‘Positive and Happy’ After Malaysia Stint

9 November 2023
Asian Para Games in Pictures

Asian Para Games in Pictures

4 November 2023
Western Australia Para: Teenager Puneyani Lands Maiden Title

Western Australia Para: Teenager Puneyani Lands Maiden Title

7 October 2023
Oceania Para: Robinson Captures Three Gold on Comeback

Oceania Para: Robinson Captures Three Gold on Comeback

2 October 2023
Para Badminton Circuit Announced for 2024

Para Badminton Circuit Announced for 2024

14 September 2023
French Prodigy Lefort a Real Prospect at Home Paralympics

French Prodigy Lefort a Real Prospect at Home Paralympics

29 August 2023
European Para Games: Mazur Bags Triple Gold

European Para Games: Mazur Bags Triple Gold

21 August 2023
Meet the Breakdancer-Turned-Para Shuttler

Meet the Breakdancer-Turned-Para Shuttler

13 August 2023
4 Nations Para: Trio Claim Double Crown

4 Nations Para: Trio Claim Double Crown

7 August 2023
4 Nations Para: Helle High on Life After Breakthrough Win

4 Nations Para: Helle High on Life After Breakthrough Win

5 August 2023
4 Nations Para: Paris Love Story Inspiring Rogerio and Edwarda

4 Nations Para: Paris Love Story Inspiring Rogerio and Edwarda

5 August 2023
4 Nations Para: Master Morten Amazed

4 Nations Para: Master Morten Amazed

4 August 2023
4 Nations Para: Home Bliss in Sheffield

4 Nations Para: Home Bliss in Sheffield

3 August 2023
Paris 2024: With a Year to Go, Festive Spirit Pervades

Paris 2024: With a Year to Go, Festive Spirit Pervades

26 July 2023
Badminton Lets Pu Gui Yu Enjoy the World

Badminton Lets Pu Gui Yu Enjoy the World

20 July 2023
African Para: Mariam Bolaji Stars for Nigeria

African Para: Mariam Bolaji Stars for Nigeria

17 July 2023
Uganda Para: Three-Gold Strike for Donghyun, Alphia James

Uganda Para: Three-Gold Strike for Donghyun, Alphia James

10 July 2023
Female Participation Grant Gives Space-Loving Nazaha Out-of-World Experience

Female Participation Grant Gives Space-Loving Nazaha Out-of-World Experience

27 June 2023
Canada Para: Bethell Extends Dominance Over Bhagat

Canada Para: Bethell Extends Dominance Over Bhagat

19 June 2023
Bahrain Para: Maiden Title for Burhanuddin; Double for Cheah

Bahrain Para: Maiden Title for Burhanuddin; Double for Cheah

24 May 2023
Thai Para: Daily Discussions Lead to Gold

Thai Para: Daily Discussions Lead to Gold

15 May 2023
Thai Para: Indonesia, Malaysia Halt China’s Domination

Thai Para: Indonesia, Malaysia Halt China’s Domination

14 May 2023
Thai Para: Overcoming the Racket

Thai Para: Overcoming the Racket

13 May 2023
Thai Para: Fast Friends Zooming Forward Together

Thai Para: Fast Friends Zooming Forward Together

13 May 2023
Thai Para: It’s Looking Up for Krajewski

Thai Para: It’s Looking Up for Krajewski

11 May 2023
Thai Para: Turkey Eye Paralympic Podium

Thai Para: Turkey Eye Paralympic Podium

10 May 2023
Thai Para: The Next Generation

Thai Para: The Next Generation

10 May 2023
Thai Para: A Sense of Deja Vu for Oktila

Thai Para: A Sense of Deja Vu for Oktila

9 May 2023
Thai Para: Sizing Up the Competition

Thai Para: Sizing Up the Competition

8 May 2023
Simon’s Eyes Set on Paris 2024

Simon’s Eyes Set on Paris 2024

4 May 2023
Brazil Para: Nitesh, Murugesan Shine

Brazil Para: Nitesh, Murugesan Shine

17 April 2023
Spanish Para Toledo: Bethell’s Winning Streak Continues

Spanish Para Toledo: Bethell’s Winning Streak Continues

6 March 2023
Spanish Para: Bethell Brings it Home for the Team

Spanish Para: Bethell Brings it Home for the Team

27 February 2023
Spanish Para: Double Winner Kajiwara Keeping it Fun

Spanish Para: Double Winner Kajiwara Keeping it Fun

27 February 2023
Spanish Para: Sooyoung So Good

Spanish Para: Sooyoung So Good

26 February 2023
Spanish Para: My Time to Shine, Enthuses Ikhtiar

Spanish Para: My Time to Shine, Enthuses Ikhtiar

26 February 2023
Spanish Para: ‘Anyone’s Playing Field’

Spanish Para: ‘Anyone’s Playing Field’

25 February 2023
Spanish Para: It’s All Smiles for Loquette

Spanish Para: It’s All Smiles for Loquette

24 February 2023
Spanish Para: Jones-Barnes Spreading the Joy of Badminton

Spanish Para: Jones-Barnes Spreading the Joy of Badminton

23 February 2023
Spanish Para: Patience Key for Self Motivator Bunsun

Spanish Para: Patience Key for Self Motivator Bunsun

23 February 2023
Spanish Para: ‘This One’s For You, Bello’

Spanish Para: ‘This One’s For You, Bello’

22 February 2023
Spanish Para: New Season Brings New Faces

Spanish Para: New Season Brings New Faces

21 February 2023
Para Shuttlers’ Road to Paris Begins in Spain

Para Shuttlers’ Road to Paris Begins in Spain

18 February 2023
Boost to Para badminton with Inclusion at LA 2028 Paralympic Games

Boost to Para badminton with Inclusion at LA 2028 Paralympic Games

1 February 2023
Wandschneider/Hellman Chasing Fresh Records

Wandschneider/Hellman Chasing Fresh Records

4 January 2023
‘Extraordinary Year’ for Dual Paralympian Mathez

‘Extraordinary Year’ for Dual Paralympian Mathez

23 December 2022
Para Badminton Events for 2023 Confirmed, Paris 2024 Journey Begins

Para Badminton Events for 2023 Confirmed, Paris 2024 Journey Begins

26 November 2022
Para World Champs: Golden Firsts for Marlina, Kozyna

Para World Champs: Golden Firsts for Marlina, Kozyna

7 November 2022
Para World Champs: Peru’s Pilar of Strength

Para World Champs: Peru’s Pilar of Strength

7 November 2022
Para World Champs: Ukraine’s Kozyna Creates History

Para World Champs: Ukraine’s Kozyna Creates History

6 November 2022
Para World Champs: Indonesia Stamp Authority

Para World Champs: Indonesia Stamp Authority

6 November 2022
Para World Champs: Hellman/Wandschneider Script Magic in Tokyo

Para World Champs: Hellman/Wandschneider Script Magic in Tokyo

5 November 2022
Para World Champs: Poveda, Coombs Advance

Para World Champs: Poveda, Coombs Advance

5 November 2022
Para World Champs: Swiss, Japanese Ladies into Last Four

Para World Champs: Swiss, Japanese Ladies into Last Four

4 November 2022
Para World Champs: Age No Barrier

Para World Champs: Age No Barrier

4 November 2022
Para World Champs: Satomi Dominant as Kajiwara/Murayama Crash Out

Para World Champs: Satomi Dominant as Kajiwara/Murayama Crash Out

4 November 2022
Para World Champs: Baby Not Medals on New Mum Oktila’s Mind

Para World Champs: Baby Not Medals on New Mum Oktila’s Mind

3 November 2022
Para World Champs: Mazur Leads French Charge

Para World Champs: Mazur Leads French Charge

3 November 2022
Para World Champs: Ukrainians’ Home Away From Home

Para World Champs: Ukrainians’ Home Away From Home

2 November 2022
Para World Champs: Two-time Champion McVeigh Hangs up his Racket

Para World Champs: Two-time Champion McVeigh Hangs up his Racket

2 November 2022
Para World Champs: Top Seeds off to Flier

Para World Champs: Top Seeds off to Flier

2 November 2022
Para World Champs: Debutants Revel in Representing their Nations

Para World Champs: Debutants Revel in Representing their Nations

1 November 2022
Para World Champs: Stars Return to Tokyo

Para World Champs: Stars Return to Tokyo

31 October 2022
Multiple Paralympic Medallist Czyz Explores Badminton’s Beauty

Multiple Paralympic Medallist Czyz Explores Badminton’s Beauty

10 September 2022
Paris 2024: Paralympic Qualification Regulations Released

Paris 2024: Paralympic Qualification Regulations Released

30 August 2022