Thailand has a new world champion, and she is just 18.

Thailand has a new world champion, and she is just 18.

Ratchanok Intanon who is just 18 has become the world champion in badminton, beating Li Xuerui who is the world number 1 in 3 sets.

Thai media cheered teen star Ratchanok Intanon with a flurry of ecstatic headlines Monday as the nation celebrated a first gold at the badminton world championships. Ratchanok, who is just 18 and still has braces on her teeth, sprang a shock as she defeated China’s Olympic champion Li Xuerui 22-20, 18-21, 21-14 on Sunday in Li’s own backyard. Pictures of the smiling teenager gripping her trophy after the showdown in Guangzhou adorned almost every front page as Thailand revelled in a rare ray of golden glory.

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