Thailand’s two-time world junior champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn finally laid his hands on the elusive Badminton Asia men’s junior title when he destroyed China’s hope Liu Liang 21-14, 21-13 in the final at the Suzhou Olympic Sports Complex in Suzhou, China on Sunday.
Â
It was a gold Kunlavut was determined to add to the mixed team gold Thailand won with a 3-2 victory over top seeds Indonesia in the final. The two-gold haul by Thailand in Suzhou is the country’s best in the Badminton Asia Junior Championships so far.
Â
“No words can describe my joy and happiness in winning the men’s singles gold. It makes up for my disappointments in the past two years,” said the 18-year-old who plays for Banthongyord Badminton School in Bangkok.
Â
Kunlavut could only win the bronze in 2017 and the silver in 2018 when the championships were held in Bintaro, Jakarta in Indonesia.
Â
“Suzhou has been good to me, more so when I won a double. This win will also serve and motivate me well for the coming world junior championships in Russia (Kazan) later this year.
I want a hattrick in the world junior.”
Â
On his match in the men’s singles final, Kunlavut said: “I played better today compared to my semifinal match when I made too many mistakes. I took an aggressive approach in the final.”
Â
“I was also highly motivated not to settle for anything less than the gold. It worked although my opponent had the support of the home fans.”
Â
Meanwhile, in the All-China women’s singles final second seed Zhou Meng outplayed compatriot Han Qian Xi 21-12, 21-9 in only 30 minutes. – Badminton Asia
Â
Â
RESULTS (ALL FINALS)
Â
Men’s singles
Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Tha) beat Liu Liang (Chn) 21-14, 21-13
Â
Women’s singles
Zhou Meng (Chn) beat Han Qian Xi (Chn) 21-12, 21-9