High-Stakes Quarterfinal Fizz: Loh Kean Yew Edge Past Kunlavut Vitidsarn in Three Sets
The India Open 2026 delivered another pulsating chapter in badminton as Loh Kean Yew outlasted Kunlavut Vitidsarn in a dramatic three-set battle, 14-21, 21-15, 21-17, to secure a place in the semi-finals. The Singaporean champion, known for his relentless speed and tenacity, looked set to bow out after a slow start in the opening game. But with the match on the line, Yew summoned a fierce resolve to overturn the deficit and tilt the momentum in his favor.
Vitidsarn, the Thai prodigy and former world junior champion, started with authority, leveraging his precise shot placement and deceptive drop shots to take the first game 21-14. The opening set established the tone: a tactical, high-intensity contest where every rally tested the limits of stamina and shotmaking. Yet Yew refused to quit, recalibrating his footwork and rally-length to claw back into the proceedings.
Turning the Tide: Tactical Shifts and Key Moments
In the second set, Yew found rhythm early, converting sharp angled shots and exploitingVitidsarn’s occasional defensive lapses. The Singaporean’s pace and aggression paid dividends as he steadied his serves and kept the Thai on the back foot. A 21-15 second-set victory forced a decider, where momentum swung like a pendulum.
The third set presented a masterclass in pressure handling. Yew forged ahead by pressuring Vitidsarn into errors with smart resets, while defending brilliantly against the Thai’s aggressive hitting. A late stretch where Yew controlled the net and kept the shuttle low ensured he closed out the match 21-17 and booked a spot in the India Open 2026 semi-finals.
What This Win Means for Loh Kean Yew
The triumph over Vitidsarn reinforces Yew’s reputation as a big-game player who can rise to the occasion on big stages. It also keeps India Open’s dream run alive for the Singaporean, whose next test is a highly anticipated clash against Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie in the semi-finals. The prospect of a Christie versus Yew semifinal adds a spicy edge to the line-up, pitting two players with contrasting styles: Yew’s relentless speed against Christie’s disciplined shot-making and experience at this level.
Road to the Semi-Finals: Likely Look Ahead
Heading into the semi-final, Yew will look to mirror his best performances against Christie by staying aggressive with his return game and maintaining the tempo from the backcourt. He will also be mindful of Christie’s ability to convert crucial points with precise shot placement and relentless pressure. For Vitidsarn, the setback will serve as a learning curve; the Thai youngster will be eager to bounce back quickly in future events, reaffirming his status as one of the sport’s brightest talents.
Why This Match Stood Out
Beyond the scoreline, the match highlighted the evolving landscape of men’s singles at the India Open 2026. It showcased how younger players from Southeast Asia are pushing past established rivals, delivering thrilling, hard-fought battles that captivate fans and deliver crucial ranking points for the new season.
Beyond the Court: Fan Experience and Tournament Atmosphere
As the quarterfinals unfolded, fans witnessed a showcase of speed, strategy, and stamina. The match underscored India Open’s growing stature as a premier badminton event that attracts top-tier talent from across the badminton world. With a semi-final berth at stake, every rally carried weight, and players fed off the electric atmosphere inside the arena.
What’s Next for the India Open 2026 Campaign
The semi-finals loom large, with fans anticipating another display of top-tier badminton. The result confirms that this edition remains highly competitive, with veterans and rising stars mixing it up for a place in the final. As the sport continues to evolve, matches like these reinforce why players train year-round for moments that define a season.
