http://www.badzine.net/news/people-leverdez-and-salakjit-get-engaged/17782/ BY RAPHAEL SACHETAT – – DECEMBER 9, 2011POSTED IN: NEWS France’s number one shuttler Brice Leverdez and Thailand’s jewel Salakjit Ponsana got engaged officially today in Bangkok in front of the local media for what seems to become another famous love story amongst top badminton players. Their love affair had been partially unveiled during the recently held Internationaux de France where the Thai player was seen with Brice and his family the whole week of the event, but the traditional ceremony held today in Bangkok made things definitely official.Photos (rights reserved) On top of Salakjit’s family – amongst which her brother Boonsak – the whole Thailand National team was there to congratulate the two love birds (they are pictured here with mixed double ‘s star Saralaee Thungthongkam). Leverdez was wearing Thailand’s traditional costume for the ceremony.Should the two get married, it could mean that Salakjit Ponsana would be eligible to play for France as she would ( by French law) – become a French citizen. A possible blessing for France who is still in desperate search for a post Pi Hongyan women’s single.
But Boonsak been quoted quite a number of times as saying, "My sister...", most memorable for me was when Salakjit lost USD5K in her hotel room during one of the WC
If Salakjit wants a lifetime playing career, then go play for France, she can play forever with no opposition, but also no funding/support from France govt. With the Euro tanking and France may soon find herself in the same boat as Greece, Spain, maybe Brice could go the opposite direction to Thailand, also Thailand govt support for baddy is more than France which is basically you-are-on-your-own-dude.
Some Thai players including Intanon told me that they are cousins....I have more pics thru my blackberry..do not know to send it here...
Brice's sister also got married to indonesian chinese player, Vidre Wibowo...Vidre's brother , Victo is a coach for Taiwan club..he is stiLl helping Cheng Shao Chieh....
I'm Thai but I always know that Boonsak is Salakjit's older brother even in the media and in Boonsak's biography said Boonsak has 2 older sisters and one younger sister, of course it's Salakjit. Since I've read your comment, I have been trying to find the info and no where to be seen that Boonsak is Salakjit's cousin not her brother but I gonna try harder by asking Ratchanok at her twitter then. Btw, yes we use sister or brother instead of cousin.
This is a very nice love story. Congratulations to Brice and Salakjit. I'm glad to see that Monsieur Leverdez did not revert to that bleached hairdo he once had. The Thai clothing looks lovely on the happy couple. Especially love Saralee's very 'traditional' plaid -obviously from the Ozark Hillbilly region of Thailand.
Congratulations to this couple.. Hope they can excel better after this in their life and of course badminton life.. 'LOVE' IS IN THE AIR