Despite being ranked world No. 2 and already a world champion, Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn is chasing a standard he believes he has yet to reach. His journey toward true excellence is being shaped by someone who inspired him since childhood — Malaysia’s badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei.
At 24, Kunlavut made an impressive start to the Malaysian Open, advancing into the round of 16 with a 21-10, 21-13 win over Taiwan’s Wang Tzu Wei at the Axiata Arena. Yet, the young Thai star focused less on the scoreboard and more on growth, self-reflection, and the mentorship guiding his career.
Chasing Perfection Beyond Rankings
“I’m not good enough yet,” Kunlavut admitted after his first-round victory. “Against the top players, my attack is still not strong enough. I know it myself; there is still a lot to learn. Every single training session, every match I play, I pick up something new.”
His honesty reflects a mindset rarely seen at the top of the sport. Even with a world title in his resume, Kunlavut approaches each match as an opportunity to improve, constantly evaluating his weaknesses and focusing on incremental growth.
Mentorship from a Legend
Central to his evolution is the guidance of Lee Chong Wei, the man he grew up idolizing. Kunlavut revealed that he met Chong Wei earlier this week for a meal, in a setting far from the glitz of the tournament, emphasizing the personal and informal nature of their relationship.
“We met earlier and went for a meal. He brought me to this nice spot, I wasn’t sure where, but it was very far from my hotel,” Kunlavut laughed.
The pair first crossed paths at the 2023 Malaysia Open, and when Kunlavut went on to win the World Championships later that year, he credited Chong Wei’s mentorship as a crucial factor. “Whenever I’m in town, we’ll hang out if he’s free. He’s always busy,” he said.
But the meeting wasn’t just social. Chong Wei offered tactical advice, challenging Kunlavut to attack more aggressively and place opponents under pressure.
“I got some advice from him. He told me to attack more and give opponents more pressure,” Kunlavut said. “When I get chances, sometimes I make easy mistakes. I need to be braver.”
For Kunlavut, these lessons extend beyond strategy — they are mental cues, shaping the mindset of a player determined to close the gap between potential and performance.
Humility as a Driving Force
Despite his accolades, Kunlavut remains remarkably grounded. When reminded that he is a world champion, he responded with a smile: “That was luck. I know I’m not yet a top player. I’m just a normal player. I need to work harder.”
Consistency, he admits, remains his biggest challenge. “Sometimes after I win, the next tournament I lose early. This year I hope to stabilize — step by step. Men’s singles is very difficult. My target is to reach the semi-finals first. Every match, I just try my best.”
Kunlavut identifies world No. 1 Shi Yuqi and Denmark’s Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen as benchmarks. “Yuqi and Axelsen — both are top, top class. Against Yuqi, many times I am defending. If my attacking game improves, I can pressure him more — then I have a chance.”
He approaches the field with realism. “Every opponent is difficult. Now every country is strong — the top 15 are almost the same level.”
Focus on the Present, One Match at a Time
For Kunlavut, the path forward is methodical: focus on the immediate challenge and learn from every encounter. “See tomorrow first — whether Koki Watanabe (Japan) or Weng Hong Yang (China). Top players again. I’ll try my best to beat them,” he said, emphasizing a match-by-match approach rather than being overwhelmed by rankings or expectations.
His humility and disciplined mindset have been reinforced by those around him, including his Malaysian practice partner Jun Hao, who has observed the impact of Chong Wei’s return to the sidelines.
“He used to coach me before, and today was the first time he was back courtside,” Jun Hao said. “It definitely felt different — in a good way. He’s taken care of us for many years and understands my style very well, so in some situations he knows exactly what I need.”
The Road Ahead
Kunlavut Vitidsarn is not just a world-class athlete; he is a player in constant evolution, guided by one of the sport’s greatest. With each training session, match, and conversation with Lee Chong Wei, he refines his game — both physically and mentally.
His story is a reminder that success in badminton is about more than rankings and trophies; it’s about self-awareness, continuous improvement, and the willingness to learn from those who came before.
As the Malaysian Open progresses, all eyes will be on Kunlavut, not merely for his results, but for the artistry, humility, and determination that continue to define his journey toward greatness.
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