Just like home: Kunlavut Vitidsarn will face China’s Shi Yuqi in the final today. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Thai shuttler Kunlavut Vitidsarn was overjoyed after finally ending his long wait to reach a World Tour Super 1000 final.
Kunlavut has built a reputation as a big tournament player, notably capturing the 2023 world title and winning silver in the 2024 Paris Olympics but a Super 1000 final appearance proved elusive for him before this.
The 24-year-old though ended his wait in style by beating Indonesia’s world No. 4 Jonatan Christie 21-16, 21-16 in the Malaysian Open semi-finals at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
While the scoreline indicated a straightforward match, it did not tell the whole story as Kunlavut had to stay patient and absorb much pressure during several long rallies before finally coming out on top in 63 minutes.
The Thai expressed his delight after the breakthrough, crediting the fans, who made him feel like he was playing at home.
“Usually, I will lose in the earlier rounds in a Super 1000 tournament. So, I’m very happy to reach my first final at this level,” said Kunlavut.
“I feel like I’m playing at my home ground and I feel very happy that I have many fans here. I want to say thank you to the fans for supporting me.
“It was a long match today (yesterday). The shuttle was very slow and I needed to use a lot of power to attack and thankfully, I managed to do it and control the match.”
The world No. 2 will next face China’s world No. 1 Shi Yuqi for the title today.
The Thai is looking forward to the final but is anticipating a tough match.
“I feel excited to play tomorrow (today) in the final. It will not be easy but I will try my best to win,” said Kunlavut.
“I need to have a good rest and prepare well for the match.”
