Thai badminton star Kunlavut “View” Vitidsarn has soared to the top of the men’s singles world rankings, following a dominant performance at the 2025 KFF Singapore Badminton Open. At just 24 years old, Kunlavut is the first-ever Thai man to become the world’s No. 1 in this category, marking a watershed moment in Thai sports history.
In Sunday’s final, Kunlavut delivered a stunning 21-6, 21-10 victory over China’s Lu Guang Zu in just 37 minutes, clinching his fourth title of the year and earning 4,400 valuable points toward the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings. The match, held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, capped a week of flawless play.
“Being the No.1, there will be pressure, but that’s good because it gives me added motivation to win the tournaments I take part in,” Kunlavut reflected, post-match.
A humble journey rooted in discipline
Kunlavut’s ascent has been years in the making. Born in Nonthaburi, just outside Bangkok, he first picked up a racquet to ease his childhood allergies. What began as therapy quickly evolved into passion, and, under coach Patapol Ngernsrisuk at Banthongyord Badminton School, he honed his game with relentless focus and humility.
His breakout came early, winning the BWF World Junior Championships three years in a row from 2017 to 2019 — a rare feat. The victories kept building from there: a world title in 2023, Olympic silver in 2024, and an Asian Championship gold in 2025. Yet through it all, he has remained grounded, often emphasizing growth over glory.
“I feel every tournament is part of the lessons that helped me to grow to play better,” he said.
National pride and future promise
Kunlavut’s victory was celebrated across Thailand, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra offering public congratulations.
“The success of both of you will inspire Thai youths and the Thai people in general,” she posted online, in added reference to Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri, who recently won the Miss World 2025 title in India, becoming the first Thai woman to do so in the 75-year history of the pageant.
Beyond the headlines and accolades, Kunlavut represents a new era — not just for Thai badminton, but for global sports. He is the first men’s singles player born in the 2000s to reach No. 1, in a richly symbolic passing of the torch.
Still, the champion sees no finish line. With the World Championships in Paris on the horizon in August, Kunlavut is already eyeing what comes next.
“Looking at all the players who’ve been there, let’s just say I’m proud of myself,” he stated with quiet certainty after the final. “But of course, I’d like to continue to improve myself.”
And if his record in Singapore is any indication, he’s just getting started.
Teerin Julsawad