Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the 2023 badminton world champion, continues his pursuit of an Olympic medal after a stunning victory over China’s top player, Shi Yu Qi. In an impressive performance, Kunlavut secured a 21-12, 21-10 win in straight sets, pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the competition so far.
Shi Yu Qi, who was a favorite to win gold, was outplayed by the 23-year-old Thai, who is now set to face Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the men’s singles semi-final tomorrow.
Lee Zii Jia advanced to the semi-finals of the 2024 Paris Olympics after defeating Denmark’s Anders Antonsen in straight sets yesterday. Reflecting on his upcoming match against Kunlavut, Zii Jia acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “My head-to-head record against him is not very good, and he is a world champion. He has beaten the top seed and is definitely in top form and full of confidence. I have to prepare myself well, and let’s see how it goes.”
Their semi-final match promises to be closely contested, as both players have each won four times in their previous eight encounters.
Meanwhile, another Thai badminton star, Ratchanok Intanon, a former world champion, has also advanced to the semi-finals. She secured her spot with a thrilling victory over Taiwanese player Tai Tzu Ying in the quarter-finals, winning 22-20, 21-19.
Main photo: Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn celebrates after defeating China’s Shi Yu Qi in their men’s singles badminton quarter-final match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Porte de la Chapelle Arena in Paris on August 2. // AFP
