KUALA LUMPUR – A rare catch-up and a shared meal of bak kut teh with Malaysian badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei has lifted Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn’s spirits at the ongoing Malaysia Open Super 1000.
Kunlavut said the encounter not only allowed him to reconnect with the former world number one, but also provided added motivation as he began 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,” the world number two briefly told reporters during a post-match interview at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
Earlier, in his Super 1000 opener, Kunlavut defeated Taiwan’s Wang Tzu Wei 21-10, 21-13 at the Axiata Arena here.
Although their meetings are not frequent, the 24-year-old said Chong Wei shared valuable insights during the meal.
“He (Chong Wei) taught me to play more attack and (give) more pressure (opponent),” he said.
Meanwhile, the former world champion described his opening match as an encouraging start to the year, despite feeling the pressure of competing in a major venue.
When asked about his target at the Malaysia Open 2026, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games silver medallist said he is taking a cautious, step-by-step approach in the season-opening tournament.
Kunlavut will next face either Japan’s Koki Watanabe or China’s Weng Hong Yang in the second round tomorrow.
The Malaysia Open 2026, which began yesterday, runs until January 11. – January 7, 2026