Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn credits a meal with badminton legend Lee Chong Wei for boosting his spirits at the Malaysia Open 2026.
A comforting meal with an idol has given Thailand’s top shuttler Kunlavut Vitidsarn a timely boost at the Malaysia Open 2026.
The world number two said a recent catch-up over bak kut teh with Malaysian badminton great Datuk Lee Chong Wei provided extra motivation for his tournament campaign.
Kunlavut revealed he was the one who initiated the meet-up with his idol.
“Every time I am in Malaysia, I would not miss eating bak kut teh,” he told reporters in a post-match interview.
He added jokingly that he did not know the restaurant’s name but confirmed it was far from his hotel.
Earlier, Kunlavut breezed past Taiwan’s Wang Tzu Wei 21-10, 21-13 in his opening match at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
The 24-year-old said Chong Wei also offered him valuable tactical advice during their rare meeting.
“He taught me to play more attack and give more pressure to the opponent,” Kunlavut said.
The 2023 world champion described his first-round win as a positive start to the year, despite feeling pressure playing in the large venue.
When asked about his target for the Malaysia Open, the Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist said he is taking a cautious, step-by-step approach.
Kunlavut will next face either Japan’s Koki Watanabe or China’s Weng Hong Yang in the second round.
The Super 1000 tournament, which began yesterday, will run until January 11.
