KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn and France's Alex Lanier showcased exceptional talent at the Malaysia Open, suggesting they could follow in the footsteps of three-time Olympic silver medalist Lee Chong Wei.
Malaysia's Chong Wei earned these medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2012 London Olympics, and the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Despite playing in his first Super 1000, world No. 18 Lanier pushed world No. 5 Kunlavut to the limit before losing 21-11, 12-21, 23-21 in 80 minutes at the Axiata Arena.
At just 23, Kunlavut is already a 2023 world champion and a silver medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Lanier, 20, stunned the badminton world last year by winning the Japan Open Super 750 and has victories over world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China and world No. 2 Anders Antonsen of Denmark.
Having grown up idolising Chong Wei, Lanier believes he can one day reach the same level as the Malaysian legend. "I've always looked up to Chong Wei, and I believe I can become like him one day. I still have a long way to go, but I'll keep pushing to improve," said the Frenchman.
"I also admire Lin Dan (of China) and draw inspiration from them to become a strong player."
Kunlavut, meanwhile, said that while their youth is an advantage, they still have a long way to go before matching the likes of Shi Yu Qi, Antonsen, or world No. 4 Viktor Axelsen.
"Age is on our side, but we have much to learn before playing at their level," said Kunlavut. "We must work hard to establish ourselves. The men's singles field is now more competitive than ever."
KW: badminton, Malaysia Open, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Thailand, Alex Lanier, France, Lee Chong Wei