A COMFORTING MEAL WITH CHONG WEI GIVES MALAYSIA OPEN 2026 BOOST FOR KUNLAVUT

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- A rare catch-up and a bowl of comfort food can do wonders for the spirit.

For Thailand’s men’s singles top shuttler Kunlavut Vitidsarn, a recent meet-up with his idol and badminton great Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei provided just the lift he needed at the ongoing Malaysia Open 2026, here.

The pair shared a meal of bak kut teh, a dish Kunlavut said he always enjoys when visiting the country.

The world number two said the encounter not only gave him a chance to connect with the legend but also injected extra motivation as he kicked off his tournament campaign.

“Every time I am in Malaysia, I would not miss eating bak kut teh. I was the one who texted him (invite for a meal)..I don't know (the restaurant name) but it’s too far from my hotel,” he said in jest to reporters in a post-match interview here, today.

Earlier, in his Super 1000 tournament campaign opening, Kunvalut breezed past Wang Tzu Wei of Taiwan 21-10, 21-13 at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, here.

While the meetings do not happen often, the 24-year-old said that Chong Wei also offered him valuable advice.

“He (Chong Wei) taught me to play more attack and (give) more pressure (opponent),” he said.

In the meantime, the 2023 world champion felt encouraged by his opening match, describing it as a positive start to the year despite feeling pressure playing in such a big venue.

When asked on his Malaysia Open 2026 target, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games silver medallist said he is taking a cautious, step-by-step approach to the season opener.

Kunlavut will next face either Japan’s Koki Watanabe or Weng Hong Yang from China, in the second round tomorrow.

The Malaysia Open 2026, which kicked off yesterday, will run until Jan 11.

-- BERNAMA