Devika Sihag became only the third Indian women’s singles player to win a World Tour 300 title after triumphing at the USD 250,000 Thailand Masters in Bangkok on Sunday.
The 20-year-old unseeded Indian, who claimed her maiden BWF International Challenge title at the Malaysia International last year, was leading Goh Jin Wei 21-8, 6-3 before her opponent retired with injury in the final.
Devika joined P. V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal as the only Indians to win a Super 300 women’s singles title.
“I always get super excited when my training partners do well. Devika trains with me and Coach Irwansyah in Bangalore, and her dedication has been incredible to witness up close,” Sindhu wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“She’s worked very closely with my team on strength and conditioning, and I’ve personally seen her game grow, mature, and evolve step-by-step. This win is a reflection of the discipline, hard work, and belief she has shown every single day. So proud of her.”
The final brought ecstasy for Devika but agony for her opponent, Goh, who looked exhausted after playing four long three-game matches in the run-up to the final.
The Malaysian looked visibly tired as her movement was laboured. Goh, who has struggled for form and fitness over the past two years and had complained of fatigue on Saturday, found it difficult to move around the court, often troubled by her left leg, which would not budge.
The Indian’s ability to produce cross-court and straight smashes, along with drops from the same action, helped her deceive her opponent as she zoomed to 9-2. A precise smash followed by another delightful shot helped her take an 11-4 lead at the break. Another backhand net cross sealed it for the Indian.
After the change of sides, Devika moved to a 6-3 lead as her opponent looked in discomfort and eventually decided to quit.
Devika’s rise on the circuit has been steady and consistent. The youngster claimed her maiden international title at the Malaysia International in August 2025 and later contributed to India’s mixed team bronze at the 2025 World University Games.
Her upward trajectory continued last season as she finished runner-up at the Indonesia Masters Super 100 and made four title clashes in 2024, lifting trophies at the Swedish Open and Portugal International, while settling for second place at the Estonian International and Dutch International.
(With inputs from PTI)
Published on Feb 01, 2026
