Two more missions for Kunlavut to accomplish after conquest of worlds

PETALING JAYA: One down, two more to go.

Thailand’s badminton ace Kunlavut Vitidsarn (pic) completed one of his three quests after nailing the men’s singles title at the World Championships on Sunday.

And he has now set his sights on reproducing his superb form to win the Olympic Games and All England titles.

World No. 4 Kunlavut survived an energy-sapping final against Japan’s No. 3 Kodai Naraoka before prevailing 19-21, 21-18, 21-7 at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Kunlavut displayed true grit and fighting spirit in the 109-minute marathon match, where he bled after throwing himself around to return some difficult shots and coming from behind to win.

It was worth the blood, sweat and tears for the three-time world junior champion as he became the first Thai to win the men’s singles gold at the senior world meet.

With the victory, Kunlavut realised his childhood dream and dedicated the gold medal to his late childhood coach, to whom he promised that one day he would be the world champion.

“I’m very happy, this has been a dream for me since I was a child,” said Kunlavut to the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

“When I was young, I’d promised my coach that I would get the gold medal.

“He passed away, and I dedicate this gold medal to him.

“I had three targets when I was young – the Olympic Games, World Championships and All England.

“Now I have achieved one of those, so two are left.”

Kunlavut was overjoyed with his accomplishment but it was such an exhausting match that he did not have the energy to celebrate his victory in the final.

It was his fourth win over Naraoka in their seven meetings.

He believes that being patient made the difference for him in Copenhagen.

“I needed to be prepared for a long match with Kodai,” said Kunlavut.

“We know each other’s game because we have played since our junior days.

“You have to be very patient with him, and it was very tiring, so I didn’t have any energy left to celebrate.”