The Sudirman Cup 2025 got off to a thrilling start in Xiamen, China, with Group A action that saw Thailand making a powerful statement against Hong Kong. In a comprehensive 5-0 sweep, Thailand, led by a self-proclaimed “sleepy” Kunlavut Vitidsarn, demonstrated their strength, depth, and determination to challenge the world’s best in this prestigious mixed-team competition.
Despite his casual admission of feeling a little drowsy, Kunlavut’s performance on court was anything but sluggish. The reigning world champion delivered a clinical display that helped inspire his teammates, setting the tone for what could be a promising campaign for the Thai squad.
Setting the Scene Anticipation and Pressure
Thailand entered the Sudirman Cup opener carrying significant expectations. With rising stars and experienced campaigners like Kunlavut, Dechapol Puavaranukroh, and Supissara Paewsampran in their ranks, the team was regarded as a dark horse capable of upsetting traditional heavyweights such as China, Japan, and Indonesia.
For Hong Kong, the challenge was steep. Now coached by Malaysia’s former great, Wong Choong Hann, the squad was looking to spring a surprise. However, with a relatively young and less experienced team, they were up against formidable opposition right from the start.
The First Blow Dechapol’s Double Duty
Thailand made an early impact in the men’s doubles, with Dechapol Puavaranukroh partnering Pakkapon Teeraratsakul. Although Dechapol is better known for his mixed doubles prowess alongside Sapsiree Taerattanachai, his versatility shone through.
Facing Hung Kuei Chun and Law Cheuk Him, Dechapol and Pakkapon were relentless from the outset. Their aggressive attacking play and tight net control overwhelmed the Hong Kong pair. The match ended quickly in straight sets, 21-14, 21-10, putting Thailand ahead 1-0 and giving the team the perfect start.
Kunlavut’s Moment Sleepy Yet Deadly
Next up was the men’s singles, and all eyes were on Kunlavut Vitidsarn. His laid-back demeanor before the match — jokingly saying he was “a bit sleepy” — belied the razor-sharp performance he produced.
Facing Hong Kong’s Jason Gunawan, Kunlavut controlled the tempo from the first point. His fluid movement around the court, combined with effortless changes in pace, left Gunawan scrambling. The Thai star’s deceptive drop shots and solid defensive work created a series of easy openings that he ruthlessly exploited.
Despite a small flurry from Gunawan late in the second game, Kunlavut stayed composed, finishing the match 21-11, 21-13. His win doubled Thailand’s lead and reinforced why many regard him as a future legend of the sport.
“I felt a little slow at the beginning, maybe because of the early morning schedule,” Kunlavut admitted post-match with a grin. “But once I found my rhythm, everything was fine.”
Supissara and Dechapol Combine to Seal Victory
Already brimming with confidence, Thailand turned to their mixed doubles specialists next. Dechapol returned to the court, this time alongside Supissara Paewsampran. They faced Hong Kong’s experienced duo, Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet — a partnership known for their chemistry and resilience.
In what was arguably the tightest match of the day, Hong Kong took the first game 21-14. The upset seemed possible, but Thailand’s pairing regrouped spectacularly. Dechapol’s net play tightened, Supissara’s smashes grew sharper, and their tactical awareness improved as the match progressed.
They clawed back to win the second game 21-18, pushing the contest into a decider. With momentum now firmly in their favor, the Thai pair surged ahead in the third game, winning 21-16. This crucial win put Thailand 3-0 up, securing the overall tie victory.
Women’s Singles and Doubles Completing the Sweep
With the pressure off, Thailand continued to flex their dominance.
In the women’s singles, teenage sensation Pitchamon Opatniputh took to the court. Still relatively new on the senior scene, Pitchamon showed maturity beyond her years, dismantling Yeung Sum Yee in straight games, 21-12, 21-7. Her court coverage, anticipation, and steely focus highlighted Thailand’s bright future in women’s badminton.
Finally, the women’s doubles saw Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai complete the rout. They faced Ng Tsz Yau and Yuen Sin Ying and were simply a class above. The Thai duo’s understanding and swift rotations on court dismantled the Hong Kong pair, resulting in a 21-15, 21-11 triumph.
The final 5-0 scoreline reflected not only Thailand’s superiority on the day but also their meticulous preparation and team spirit.
Wong Choong Hann’s Reflection A Lesson in Growth
Despite the defeat, Hong Kong’s coach Wong Choong Hann remained optimistic.
“Matches like these are invaluable,” he said. “We have a young squad, and facing world-class players helps them grow faster. Thailand are a top team, and today showed us the level we must aspire to.”
He emphasized that Hong Kong’s focus remains on long-term development and that he was proud of his players’ fighting spirit despite the overwhelming odds.
Thailand’s Road Ahead Tougher Tests Await
While the comprehensive win over Hong Kong was a confidence booster, the Thai team knows that sterner challenges lie ahead.
Group A also features China, the tournament’s top seeds and heavy favorites, and Algeria, considered the group’s underdogs. While Thailand should overcome Algeria with relative ease, their clash against China will likely decide who tops the group and enjoys a more favorable draw in the knockout stages.
Coach Sompol Kukasemkij’s strategy of rotating key players and building squad depth seems to be paying off. By managing workloads smartly and maintaining high performance across all disciplines — men’s singles, women’s singles, doubles, and mixed — Thailand has the tools to cause serious upsets in the tournament.
Kunlavut Thailand’s Ace in the Hole
Central to Thailand’s ambitions will be Kunlavut Vitidsarn. The 23-year-old continues to evolve into one of badminton’s brightest stars, with his world championship win last year seen as a major breakthrough.
What sets Kunlavut apart is not just his technical brilliance but also his temperament. Even when admitting to feeling “sleepy,” he remains unfazed and delivers under pressure. That mental toughness will be vital as Thailand look to navigate the cutthroat stages of the Sudirman Cup.
“He brings calmness to the team,” coach Sompol said. “When Kunlavut plays well, it lifts everyone else. He’s not just a player; he’s becoming a leader.”
A Tournament of Dreams
The Sudirman Cup remains one of the most prestigious titles in badminton — and one of the most difficult to win. Unlike individual tournaments, it demands strength across five categories, meaning teams must have balance, depth, and adaptability.
Thailand’s dream of lifting the Cup is not far-fetched. They boast world-class players in both singles and doubles, and their team spirit is evident. If Kunlavut, Dechapol, Supissara, and others can maintain their form, Thailand could find themselves challenging traditional superpowers deep into the tournament.
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