Well done: Thailand men’s singles shuttler Kunlavut Vitidsarn (second right) hugging Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei during the prize presentation ceremony after China’s Shi Yuqi retired in the final match of the Malaysian Open at Axiata Arena. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
BUKIT JALIL: After several heartbreaks, Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn finally clinched his first Super 1000 title yesterday, conquering the Malaysian Open at last.
The men’s singles final against Shi Yuqi ended in an unusual fashion, as Yuqi had to retire in the second set due to a back injury.
With the abrupt finish, Kunlavut was crowned champion with a score of 23-21, 6-1 at the Axiata Arena on Sunday (Jan 11).
The victory also ended a long drought for Thailand, as their last men’s singles player to win the Malaysian Open was Charoen Wattanasin, who lifted the title six decades ago in 1962.
“I felt a lot of pressure in the match, but it was also very exciting. This is my first time at a big Super 1000 tournament, and I really hoped to win the gold. It is just amazing, I’m so happy.
“The match went well even though I was running low on energy. I knew if we had long rallies, it would have been very tough for me to win," said Kunlavut.
Kunlavut pocketed US$101,500 (RM415,490) in prize money as champion, while Yuqi received US$49,300 (RM201,809) as runner-up.
Nothing was sweeter for Kunlavut than receiving his trophy and prize from his idol, Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei.
Ironically, Chong Wei had held a meal session with Kunlavut just before the start of the Malaysia Open.
“I might ask him (Chong Wei) for a bak kut teh session again. I must thank him for all the advice he gave me whenever I had problems. He shared everything I needed to know, both on and off the court, and I am very grateful to him," he added.
At the China camp, Shi Yuqi admitted he was disappointed to withdraw from the final due to a back injury he had been dealing with since the quarter final against Lee Cheuk Yiu.
“I injured my back a few days ago. I did a lot of treatment yesterday, but I still felt a lot of pain this morning. I couldn’t rely on painkillers.
“It’s a pity that I lost the first game. I made many mistakes, and it affected my performance, but there was nothing I could do," said Yuqi.
