Kuala lumpur: Thai shuttler Kunlavut Vitidsarn celebrated a perfect ending at the Malaysia Open 2026 after winning his first-ever BWF Super 1000 title and receiving the prize from none other than his own idol, Malaysian badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil here today. However, it may not have been the win anyone wanted as his opponent Shi Yu Qi of China retired after trailing 21-23 and 1-6 due to a back injury.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kunlavut expressed his happiness and wished his opponent a speedy recovery. "I feel very happy (to win the Malaysia Open). Yu Qi is top class and I wish him speedy recovery," he told reporters. Kunlavut also thanked Chong Wei, mentioning the valuable advice he has received from the legend on how to manage both on-court and off-court situations. The 2023 world champion is now setting his sights on Olympic gold and All England glory.
This victory marks Kunlavut's first time reaching a Super 1000 final since his debut in a Super 1000 event in 2020. Since then, he has participated in 17 more events, reaching the semifinals on four occasions.
Meanwhile, South Korea's world number one An Se Young showcased her skill by clinching the women's singles title. She completed a hat-trick of Malaysia Open titles by defeating China's Wang Zhi Yi in a dramatic match. After winning the first set 21-15, Se Young was on the verge of being forced into a decider when trailing 9-17 in the second set, but she mounted a remarkable comeback to win 24-22. This victory marks Se Young's 17th win over Zhi Yi in their head-to-head meetings, with the Korean attributing her success to confidence and commitment to her natural game.
In other events, China's Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning secured the women's doubles title by defeating South Korea's Baek Ha Na-Lee So Hee with scores of 21-18, 21-12. China also took home the mixed doubles title as Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping overcame compatriots Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin in straight games, 21-19, 21-19.
The singles champions received a prize purse of US$101,500 (RM415,490.25), while the doubles champions were awarded US$107,300 (RM439,232.55).