Latest news with #Kunlavut
The Star
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Kunlavut has chance to join elite group by lifting world title again
Man with a mission: Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn celebrates after winning his semi-final match at the last year's Olympic Games. — AFP PETALING JAYA: Can men's singles shuttler Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand defend his world title? Based on his current form, it is possible. Kunlavut created history in the last edition of the world meet in 2023 in Copenhagen when he sensationally became the first Thai to capture the men's singles gold after beating Japan's Kodai Naraoka. The 24-year-old has an opportunity to win it again at the meet from Aug 25-31 at the Adidas Arena in Port de la Chapelle in Paris. And if he pulls it off, Kunlavut will join an illustrious list of players who have defended the men's singles title, such as China's Yang Yang (1987, 1989), Lin Dan (2006, 2007, 2009 and 2011, 2013), Chen Long (2014, 2015) and Japan's Kento Momota (2018, 2019). Kunlavut believes that he is slowly evolving his game after struggling with consistency previously. 'This is an amazing season for me. I feel like trying everything. I must change my style and if it doesn't work, it's OK. If it works, just do it again,' said Kunlavut in an interview with the Badminton World Federation (BWF). 'Now every player knows my style and I must change it a bit. This year it's worked in every match. I just need to keep getting better.' Kunlavut is already a trailblazer in his country after scoring several other firsts – becoming the first Thai to reach world No. 1 spot last month and first to win an Olympic medal in badminton when he claimed silver in the Paris Games last August. He will be keen to enjoy another good outing in the world meet which will be held in the same venue as the Olympics. He has been in superb form since April, winning the Asian Championships, Thailand Open and Singapore Open titles and reaching the semi-finals in the Indonesian Open and this bodes well for him ahead of the showpiece event in Paris.
Bangkok Post
07-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Bangchak Celebrates Thailand's Badminton World No.1
Marking a historic milestone for Thai sport, Bangchak Group recently celebrated the achievement of 'View' Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the first Thai male badminton player to attain the World No. 1 ranking in men's singles. The celebratory event, titled 'Road to Number One – Together We Stand Strong', took place at Bangchak Headquarters at M Tower, honouring his outstanding success and dedication. On 4 July 2025, Mr Chaiwat Kovavisarach, Group Chief Executive Officer and President of Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, joined Bangchak Group executives and employees in congratulating Kunlavut. Also present were 'May' Ratchanok Intanon, Thailand's former women's singles World No. 1 in 2016, and 'Coach Pae' Phattaphon Ngernsrisuk, Director of Banthongyord Badminton School and a key figure behind the success of both athletes. Mr Chaiwat extended his heartfelt congratulations and presented Bangchak Hi Premium cash cards and commemorative gifts to Kunlavut. In addition, he offered fuel cards and gifts to Ratchanok and a commemorative token of appreciation to Coach Phattaphon. Bangchak Group, a proud supporter of Banthongyord Badminton School for over a decade, remains committed to empowering Thai athletes and promoting the sustainable development of sports in Thailand. As part of the 'Road to Number One' programme, Mrs Gloyta Nathalang, Senior Executive Vice President, Sustainability Management and Corporate Communications, hosted an inspiring conversation with Coach Phattaphon, Ratchanok, and Kunlavut. They shared insights into their athletic journeys, from early beginnings and intensive training to sources of inspiration and perseverance through adversity, highlighting their growth both on and off the court. The session concluded with a warm and engaging atmosphere as Bangchak employees joined in a souvenir giveaway from Banthongyord, took photos with their favourite athletes, and shared in the collective joy and positive energy. Looking ahead, Kunlavut and Ratchanok will represent Thailand at the upcoming Japan Open 2025, a major World Tour event set to take place from 15–20 July in Tokyo. Bangchak Group encourages everyone to continue supporting Thai athletes – with the enduring belief that 'Together We Stand Strong.'
The Star
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Legend Rashid raving about Thai singles star Kunlavut
Humble: Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand acknowledges spectators after his victory against Lu Guangzu of China in the men's singles final at the Singapore Open. — AFP PETALING JAYA: If there is one men's singles player who has won the heart of Malaysian legend Datuk Rashid Sidek – it has to be Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand. And it's not only because the 24-year-old Thai recently became their country's first men's singles player to reign as the world No. 1 player, but also for his crafty play and humility. Rashid foresees Vitidsarn staying at the top for a long time. 'Kunlavut is one of the talented players in the circuit right now. His tactical game is sound. He is sharp and tricky too,' said Rashid. 'He has this special deceptive shot that frustrates his opponents. 'His attacking shots are good and I think we have not seen the best of him yet. 'Above it all, I'm taken by his sheer humility. He has the character of a true champion. 'We have six more months before the season ends, and I can't wait to see what other things he can accomplish.' Two weeks ago after winning the Singapore Open, which eventually saw him taking up the top spot in the world, Kunlavut had stated: 'I must keep learning. I'm world No. 1 but my performance is not No. 1 yet.' This year, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games silver medallist Kunlavut has also won the Thailand Open, Asian Badminton Championships and Indonesian Masters. With his fine form, he has put himself as one of the favourites to win the World Championships in Paris in August. The other nine players behind him in the ranking are Anders Antonsen (Den), Shi Yuqi (Chn), Jonatan Christie (Ina), Li Shifeng (Chn), Chou Tien-chen (Tpe), Kodai Naraoka (Jpn), Alex Lanier (Fra), Viktor Axelsen (Den) and Loh Kean Yew (Sin). The top two highest ranked Malaysian players are world No. 21 Lee Zii Jia and Leong Jun Hao (27).
Malaysia Sun
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Malaysia Sun
Thailand claims two titles at Singapore Badminton Open
Xinhua 01 Jun 2025, 22:05 GMT+10 BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Thailand secured two championships on Sunday at the Singapore Badminton Open, with Kunlavut Vitidsarn winning the men's singles crown and the mixed doubles pair of Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran also triumphing. Second-seeded Kunlavut dominated the men's singles final, defeating China's Lu Guangzu 21-6, 21-10 in just 37 minutes. The victory marked Kunlavut's fourth title of the season and is set to propel him to the world No. 1 ranking in the men's singles when the Badminton World Federation (BWF) releases its latest standings next week. He will also become the first men's singles player born after 2000 to achieve the top ranking. Earlier, Thai mixed doubles stars Puavaranukroh and Paewsampran captured their title by defeating Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong, China, 2-0 in the final. China's Chen Yufei claimed the women's singles title, defeating compatriot Wang Zhiyi in straight sets for her fourth championship of the season. Notably, Chen ended the 27-match winning streak of reigning Olympic gold medalist An Se-young of South Korea in the quarterfinals. Since returning to competition in February following a three-month study break in Australia, Chen has regained her form and extended her own winning streak to 22 matches. In doubles action, South Korean pairs secured one gold and one silver medal. Kim Hye-jeong and Kong Hee-yong won the women's doubles title by defeating Japan's Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi 21-16, 21-14. However, Malaysia's Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik beat Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae 15-21, 21-18, 21-19.
The Sun
01-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
New world no. 1 Kunlavut seals Singapore crown in style
KUNLAVUT Vitidsarn celebrated becoming the first man from Thailand to top the badminton world rankings by winning the Singapore Open in style on Sunday. The 24-year-old demolished China's unseeded Lu Guangzu 21-6, 21-10 in just 37 minutes with his range of powerful smashes and deceptive drop shots. Paris Olympics silver medallist Kunlavut will replace another Chinese player, Shi Yuqi, as world number one in a landmark for Thai badminton. It was his fourth title this season. 'There will be pressure to be the best player in the world, but it's going to be a good pressure as that will give me the added motivation of doing my best to win all the tournaments I take part in,' said Kunlavut, who lost the Paris final to Viktor Axelsen. Denmark's two-time Olympic champion Axelsen, the former number one, is currently working his way back to fitness following surgery for a back problem. In an all-Chinese women's final at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, the fifth seed Chen Yufei outplayed second-seeded Wang Zhiyi 21-11, 21-11. Chen was runner-up to world number one An Se-young last year. Chen ended the South Korean's unbeaten run in 2025 by defeating her in the quarter-finals this year. 'I'm really very happy with this win because the draw was not exactly in my favour and every match felt like a battle,' said Chen. 'To make it all the way to the final was honestly something unexpected. 'I felt like I was not under too much pressure this time, so I played more freely and showed what I'm capable of.'
