Kunlavut Vitidsarn Rise: From Three-Time World Junior Champion to World Championship Silver Medalist

Jayce September 6, 2024 2 0

On September 15, BWF announced that even on the night before the most important day of Kunlavut Vitidsarn’s career, he remained remarkably calm.

Having reached the finals of the 2022 Badminton World Championships and facing Viktor Axelsen in the final, Kunlavut looked confident despite Axelsen being the favorite to win.

“I want to face Axelsen because he is the strongest right now,” Kunlavut said. “I want to learn from him and understand why he plays so well in every match. I have no pressure because he is the favorite to win.”

If it wasn’t surprising that this three-time World Junior Champion was expected to win the World Championships, it’s because he has been consistently performing well over the past two years. He broke through last year and continued to solidify his performance this year. After winning the silver medal at the World Championships, Kunlavut entered the top ten of the world rankings for the first time.

Like his contemporary Lakshya Sen, Kunlavut’s transition to top-tier play has been rapid. Even during his junior days, he was impressed with his limitless potential.

Kunlavut’s confidence was evident throughout the World Championships week as he focused on adapting to the environment rather than worrying about his opponents. He realized that as long as he could make the necessary adjustments while moving, most opponents wouldn’t be able to trouble him.

He showcased this adaptability in the final. After being outplayed by Axelsen in the first game, Kunlavut calmly regrouped in the second game, playing patiently and meticulously, causing Axelsen a lot of trouble. He led 11-10 but Axelsen, with more experience and better seizing opportunities, ultimately broke through Kunlavut’s challenge. The world number one was also impressed by him.

“Kunlavut is a great player, both mentally and physically strong,” Axelsen said. “I knew it would be a tough match. I’m pleased with my response to his tactics in the second game. He troubled me for a while, so I had to toughen up and turn it around.”

“He is a cool person, both on and off the court. He is 21, and we have faced each other a few times. I think he has many more matches to play. I hope we have many exciting encounters in the future.”