Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn Claims Malaysia Open Title After World No. 1 Shi Retires With Injury
Thai badminton star secures his first Super 1000 title as China’s top seed withdraws from the final due to a back injury
Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn captured a landmark victory at the season-opening Malaysia Open on January 11, prevailing for his first Badminton World Federation (BWF) Super 1000 title after world No. 1 Shi Yuqi of China was forced to retire from the men’s singles final with a back injury.
The match, held at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, saw Vitidsarn leading 23-21, 6-1 when Shi — who had been nursing the injury since earlier rounds — conceded, handing the Thai shuttler the championship.
Vitidsarn, a former world champion and world No. 2, had pushed the pace early, gaining the narrow first game before sprinting ahead in the second.
Shi’s decision to withdraw underscored the severity of the back problem that had troubled him since the quarter-finals, despite extensive treatment attempts.
The result marked a significant breakthrough for the Thai athlete, who had previously reached but never won a final at Super 1000 level.
The Super 1000 tier is one of badminton’s most prestigious on the BWF World Tour, ranking just below the year-end Finals.
Vitidsarn’s triumph earned both ranking points and a US$101,500 winner’s prize, reflecting the importance of the achievement in his career.
The victory also offered a moment of personal celebration as he received his trophy from Malaysian badminton legend Lee Chong Wei, with whom he had shared a meal earlier in the week.
Shi, the top seed and defending champion in Malaysia, expressed disappointment at having to withdraw, acknowledging that the pain had limited his performance.
He had won the 2025 World Championships and entered the final with strong momentum.
Vitidsarn, meanwhile, acknowledged the physical toll of the tournament but said he was delighted to finally reach the pinnacle of a Super 1000 event, adding to his resume as one of the sport’s leading players.
The outcome highlights the unpredictable nature of elite badminton, where physical fitness and resilience are as decisive as technical skill.
Vitidsarn’s victory not only enhances his standing on the world stage but also reinforces Thailand’s growing prominence in international badminton.
The match, held at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, saw Vitidsarn leading 23-21, 6-1 when Shi — who had been nursing the injury since earlier rounds — conceded, handing the Thai shuttler the championship.
Vitidsarn, a former world champion and world No. 2, had pushed the pace early, gaining the narrow first game before sprinting ahead in the second.
Shi’s decision to withdraw underscored the severity of the back problem that had troubled him since the quarter-finals, despite extensive treatment attempts.
The result marked a significant breakthrough for the Thai athlete, who had previously reached but never won a final at Super 1000 level.
The Super 1000 tier is one of badminton’s most prestigious on the BWF World Tour, ranking just below the year-end Finals.
Vitidsarn’s triumph earned both ranking points and a US$101,500 winner’s prize, reflecting the importance of the achievement in his career.
The victory also offered a moment of personal celebration as he received his trophy from Malaysian badminton legend Lee Chong Wei, with whom he had shared a meal earlier in the week.
Shi, the top seed and defending champion in Malaysia, expressed disappointment at having to withdraw, acknowledging that the pain had limited his performance.
He had won the 2025 World Championships and entered the final with strong momentum.
Vitidsarn, meanwhile, acknowledged the physical toll of the tournament but said he was delighted to finally reach the pinnacle of a Super 1000 event, adding to his resume as one of the sport’s leading players.
The outcome highlights the unpredictable nature of elite badminton, where physical fitness and resilience are as decisive as technical skill.
Vitidsarn’s victory not only enhances his standing on the world stage but also reinforces Thailand’s growing prominence in international badminton.
