Kunlavut Vitidsarn Wins Malaysia Open 2026 — First Thai Champion in 68 Years

Thai badminton has written another page in history. Kunlavut "View" Vitidsarn, one of the world's leading men's singles players from Thailand, won the Super 1000 Malaysia Open 2026 on Sunday 11 January 2026 at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — becoming the first Thai man to win this historic title in 68 years.

Victory Over the World No. 1

In the final, Kunlavut faced his toughest possible opponent: Shi Yuqi of China, the world No. 1, against whom Kunlavut had trailed 3-7 in their head-to-head record. The first game was a tight battle to the wire before Kunlavut edged it 23-21.

Into the second game, Kunlavut started superbly and surged to a 6-1 lead before Shi Yuqi signalled to the umpire that he could not continue due to a back injury, handing Kunlavut the title at 23-21, 6-1 (retired).

While the win came via his opponent's mid-match retirement, Kunlavut's dominant form in the opening game and his strong start to the second underlined that he was ready to step onto the very top of the podium.

Photo: Kunlavut Vitidsarn at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games by Sandro Halank — CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

A Maiden Super 1000 Title — and a 68-Year Record

The win was special on several levels. First, it was Kunlavut's maiden Super 1000 title — the highest tier of the BWF World Tour, which gathers the strongest field in the sport. He had previously won at Super 300 and Super 750 level, but had never lifted a Super 1000 trophy.

Second, Kunlavut became the first Thai men's singles player in 68 years to win the Malaysia Open, the last Thai champion being Charoen Wattanasin in 1958. He is also the first Thai man to reach a Super 1000 final in 16 years, since Boonsak Ponsana in 2010.

Photo: Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur by angys — CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

"View" — The Road to the Top

Kunlavut Vitidsarn, known to fans by his nickname "View," was born on 11 May 2001. He did not rise to fame with this title alone — he made his name as a junior, becoming a three-time BWF World Junior champion (2017, 2018 and 2019), the first men's singles player in history to achieve that feat.

At senior level he built a legendary record. In 2023 he won the BWF World Championships men's singles, beating Japan's Kodai Naraoka in the final in Copenhagen to become the first Thai to claim that title. The following year he won silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics, falling to Denmark's Viktor Axelsen in the final — Thailand's first-ever Olympic badminton medal.

His Malaysia Open success added another beautiful chapter to an already glittering career.

Inspired by a Malaysian Legend

After winning on Malaysian soil, Kunlavut paid tribute to Lee Chong Wei, the former world No. 1 from Malaysia and a legend of the sport, as a role model he deeply respects.

"Lee Chong Wei has always been a role model for me, both on and off the court. Whenever I have questions or worries, he gives me advice — not just about badminton, but about life." — Kunlavut Vitidsarn

The remark reflects the sportsmanship and warm ties between athletes across the ASEAN region, passing on inspiration and knowledge across generations and across borders.

Illustrative photo: a men's singles smash (pictured: Lee Chong Wei) by Antony Stanley — CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Why It Matters for Thai Fans

Kunlavut's success is more than just another trophy — it reaffirms that Thai athletes can stand at the front of one of the world's most fiercely competitive sports, again and again. Winning a historic tournament like the Malaysia Open, which no Thai had managed for 68 years, is also a powerful inspiration for the next generation of Thai youngsters who dream of following in his footsteps.

Badminton has been a beloved sport in Thailand for decades. With Thai players — both men and women — taking turns to deliver on the world stage, the sport remains a source of hope and pride for the whole country.

Stories of Thai success on the world stage span many fields, from Jeeno Thitikul, the world No. 1 women's golfer winning on the LPGA Tour, to Thai students winning a global AI innovation award — all a source of national pride.

What to Watch Next

At just 24 years old (as of June 2026), Kunlavut has plenty of time to add more titles and chase further success on the world stage. The next goals Thai fans will be hoping for are for him to maintain his hot form, reclaim the world No. 1 ranking, and contend for more Super 1000 titles across the remaining season.

The BWF World Tour calendar still has many big events this year, and with the confidence gained from a major title on Malaysian soil, Thai badminton fans have every reason to follow and cheer "View" at every remaining stop of 2026.

Key Facts

• Athlete: Kunlavut "View" Vitidsarn — Thailand national men's singles player
• Title: Malaysia Open 2026 (Super 1000) — 11 January 2026 in Kuala Lumpur
• Final score: beat Shi Yuqi (world No. 1) 23-21, 6-1 (opponent retired, injury)
• Records: first Thai to win the Malaysia Open in 68 years (since 1958) and his maiden Super 1000 title
• Prior highlights: 2023 BWF World Champion (first Thai), Paris 2024 Olympic silver (Thailand's first Olympic badminton medal), three-time World Junior champion (2017-2019)

Results and rankings as of 19 June 2026.