Malaysia Masters 3x champ Ratchanok explains sleeping, '6-7' celebrations

Malaysia Masters women’s singles champion Ratchanok Intanon explained what has become her trademark sleeping and “6-7” celebration after the Thai star comprehensively beat Chen Yu Fei.

“For my sleeping celebration, that is when I play late at night, up till 10-11pm. So after winning, that is my goodnight pose. As for the ‘6-7’, it’s for the Gen Alpha. I feel like I can win their hearts.

“Especially when they call my name ‘Intanon 6-7’. I hope I can make them happy,” she said.

The 31-year-old is no stranger to celebrating in Malaysia after securing her latest title in Kuala Lumpur.

Ratchanok’s 21-17, 21-15 victory over Chen means she becomes the most successful female shuttler in the history of the Malaysia Masters having also won in 2018 & 2019.

The youngest ever women’s singles world champion also won the Malaysia Open in 2016 & 2022 when she beat Chen in the final.

Ratchanok’s success in Malaysia came during her younger days when she was crowned World Junior Champion back in 2009, before earning bronze in the Asian Junior Championships a year later.

“It’s like my second home, quite similar to Thailand. Here I am relaxed and am able to play like how I want,” she added.

Ratchanok’s victory came as a surprise even to her, as she was contemplating even to come after dealing with an injury setback.

She has now stamped her mark as the tournament’s second most successful shuttler, behind Lee Chong Wei.