Ratchanok, the seventh seed and world No 7, started dismally to trail Li 1-5 in the opening game. However, the Thai girl clawed her way back to catch her tough opponent 19-19. Li, the world No 3 and two-time Asian champion in 2010 and 2012, proved that her victory over the Incheon Asian Games winner and compatriot Wang Yihan, Asian winner in 2011 and 2013, in the semi-finals was no fluke. She produced well-placed drop shots and devastating cross-court smashes to claim the close first game 22-20. Ratchnakok fought back to win closel-fought second game 23-21. Her confidence boosted, the determined Ratchanok hit exceptional form after taking a commanding 15-9 lead, and captured the game 21-12, the gruelling match and Asian crown.