Kunlavut advances after dramatic three-game Asian Games clash
NAGOYA, Japan — 27 September 2026, Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn booked his place in the men’s singles semifinals at the 20th Asian Games after overcoming Hong Kong’s Ng Ka Long in a tense three-game quarterfinal on Saturday. World No. 2 Kunlavut, the last Thai badminton player remaining at the Games, came from behind to beat Ng […] The post Kunlavut advances after dramatic three-game Asian Games…
NAGOYA, Japan — On 27th September 2026, Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn advanced to the men's singles semifinals at the 20th Asian Games following a thrilling three-game quarterfinal victory over Hong Kong's Ng Ka Long. The world No. 2 Thai player, now the last remaining Thai badminton athlete at the Games, fought back from a 21-16 deficit to defeat Ng 16-21, 21-10, 21-13 at the Ichinomiya City Gymnasium in Nagoya.
The intense match saw several controversial line calls, as no video review system was available for disputes. Tensions rose sharply in the deciding game when a line judge incorrectly called a shot by Ng out on a crucial match point. However, Kunlavut capitalized on the mistake, securing the decisive point and claiming the victory.
In a jubilant celebration, he threw his racket, seemingly releasing the pressure from the tense finish. This triumph ensured Kunlavut a spot in the semifinals, where he will face Indonesia's Alwi Farhan, who had already defeated Taiwan's Chou Tien-chen in the quarterfinals. The win guarantees Kunlavut at least a bronze medal at the Asian Games.
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