In a thrilling showdown at the Badminton Asia Championships, Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn outclassed Singaporean star Loh Kean Yew, securing a stunning 23-21, 21-10 victory to notch his seventh consecutive win over his rival.

This latest triumph, which took place on April 12, not only continues Kunlavut's impressive winning streak that dates back to 2021, but it also knocked Loh out of contention after a stellar performance just a day prior against China's top-ranked Shi Yuqi.

Following the match, the 27-year-old Loh reflected on his performance, acknowledging his opponent's superior control during crucial moments: "Kunlavut handled the wind and shuttle conditions better today, particularly in the second game." He added that while he was pleased with his overall progress, there remains significant room for improvement as he prepares for future competitions.

Despite their fierce rivalry on the court, Kunlavut and Loh share a close friendship off it, having trained together at Thailand's Banthongyod Badminton School alongside other notable players. The match was a true test of skill, starting with Loh establishing an early lead of 7-2, showcasing the same sharpness that helped him defeat Shi.

However, Kunlavut's resilience shone through as he leveled the score at 9-9, ultimately taking a 16-15 lead. Despite Loh's attempts to rally back, Kunlavut held his nerve, edging the first game with a tight 23-21 finish.

In the second game, after a motivating pep talk from his coach, Kunlavut's game transformed. His precise smashes and strategic placements placed Loh under relentless pressure, leading to crucial errors from the Singaporean. Kunlavut's lead extended to 15-5, and while Loh made a brief comeback, it was too little too late.

Kunlavut's decisive win in just 52 minutes propelled him to the finals on April 13, where he will face China's Lu Guangzu, who overcame Li Shi Feng with a score of 19-21, 21-10, 21-14.

For Loh Kean Yew, who won the World Championship in 2021 and earned silver at this year's Asia Championships, the journey continues as he secured a joint bronze medal. His next challenge awaits at the Taipei Open from May 6-11.

National singles head coach Kim Ji-hyun commended Loh's performance, noting the critical mistakes at pivotal moments. "He exhibited fantastic badminton in the first game, but slipped on a key point. Now, we aim for more consistency in his game strategy," she emphasized. "We’re also focusing on enhancing his net skills and fitness to ensure he can sustain performance through three-game matches."

Loh’s recent matches, including a previous final appearance at the German Open where he faced two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen, show promise as Kim encourages him to rediscover his passion for the sport. "It’s vital for Kean Yew to enjoy the game and embrace each moment, especially after all the hard work he has put in during our training camps in Thailand," Kim stated proudly.