Malaysia Open: Slow and Steady Works for Vitidsarn
Expectations grew after Kunlavut Vitidsarn finished surprise runner-up at the World Championships in Tokyo in August. However, the three-time back-to-back world junior champion could not build on that and only had…
· PREM KUMAR
Expectations grew after Kunlavut Vitidsarn finished surprise runner-up at the World Championships in Tokyo in August. However, the three-time back-to-back world junior champion could not build on that and only had two quarterfinal runs to show at the next four tournaments.
At this season’s curtain-raising event, Vitidsarn’s return to the poise that caught the eye in Japan has been rewarded with a place in the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2023 semifinals.
“I’m still learning but I realise taking things slow and steady helps. Big tournaments have big players and you must extract more out of yourself. Step by step, don’t think too much, stay patient. That keeps the pressure away and optimises the output,” said the Thai after defeating third seed Loh Kean Yew 21-11 20-22 21-14.