Thailand's new world champ: Did anyone notice?
Panipak "Tennis" Wongpattanakit became Thailand's fourth world taekwondo champion on Wednesday, but it seems few people here were paying attention. There were a few TV reports and some short newspaper stories, but for most people, her achievement went unnoticed. It's time to give Panipak the credit she deserves The 17-year-old defeated Iryna Romoldanova of the Ukraine 6-5 in the women's 46kg final at the world championships in Russia. Panipak, who also won gold at last year's Youth Olympics, followed in the footsteps of Thailand's previous champions — Chanatip Sonkham (2013), Chutchawal Khawlaor (2011) and Rangsiya Nisaisom (2011). Her victory is worth 120 points in the world rankings which are used to determine 2016 Olympic qualifiers. The other Thai athletes in Russia were not so successful. 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Chanatip lost in the second round of the women's 49kg class, while Peerathep Sila-on crashed out in the third round of the men's 74kg.