Kunlavut Vitidsarn to top world ranking after making KFF Singapore Badminton Open final

SINGAPORE – A new men’s singles world No. 1 is born in Singapore for the second year running, after Thailand’s second-ranked Kunlavut Vitidsarn beat Taiwanese world No. 19 Lin Chun-yi 21-11, 25-23 in their semi-final at the US$1 million (S$1.29 million) KFF Singapore Badminton Open on May 31.

By reaching the final, where he will meet China’s world No. 15 Lu Guangzu on June 1, the 24-year-old has earned enough ranking points to displace China’s Shi Yuqi and become the first Thai men’s singles player to reach the top rung, when the world rankings are next released on June 3.

Incidentally, Shi also rose to No. 1 for the first time after winning the 2024 KFF Singapore Badminton Open.

After punching the air and hugging his coach Patapol Ngernsrisuk, Kunlavut said: “I saw on social media I could be world No. 1 if I won today, so I’m very happy I did it.

“I’m also happy because I have been a champion three times this year, and this is my fourth final. I still need to learn a lot before the (Aug 25-31) world championships, and my bigger goals are to win Olympic gold and the All England Open title.”

As world and Asian champion, the soft-spoken Thai is the in-form player in the men’s singles, winning all matches in straight games.

After taking the first game 21-11 against Lin, he faced stronger resistance as the Taiwanese southpaw raised his intensity, making spectacular diving saves that thrilled the 7,220-strong crowd.

Lin squandered an 18-15 lead and saved three match points but missed his opportunity, ultimately netting the shuttle to send the Thai into the final at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Kunlavut said of the match: “It’s difficult to control and defend against left-handed players. I have to focus, and remember