Bangkok: "View" Kulavut Vitidsarn, a revered figure in Thai badminton, has successfully advanced to the second round of the Toyota Thailand Open 2026 badminton tournament, with aspirations of reaching the final stage of the competition.
According to Thai News Agency, the prestigious tournament, officially titled "Toyota Thailand Open 2026 Presented by Victor," is a World Tour Super 500 event. It offers the Royal Trophy from His Majesty the King and boasts a substantial prize fund exceeding 16,500,000 baht. The event is currently being held at the Nimibutr Building.
In the men's singles first round, Kulavut Vitidsarn, who is ranked world number two and is a two-time defending champion, displayed remarkable form. He defeated Japan's Yudai Okimoto, ranked 35th globally, in straight games with scores of 21-16 and 21-12. Kulavut is set to face Chi Yu-jen from Chinese Taipei, ranked 36th, in the second round.
Kulavut shared that he has recently recovered from an illness and is still experiencing some cough. He acknowledged that his opponent had a strong strategy at the beginning of the game, but he managed to push through and deliver a commendable performance.
In contrast, "Ikkyu" Panichol Teeraratkul, ranked 27th, was eliminated in the first round after losing to Indonesia's Mozaki Oubaidillah, ranked 43rd, in two games, 10-21 and 18-21.
In the women's singles category, "May" Ratchanok Intanon, a two-time former champion, overcame a challenging match against fellow Thai player "Boom" Thidaporn Kleebyeesoon. Intanon secured her victory in 44 minutes with scores of 21-19 and 21-18. Her next opponent is Talita Ramadani Wairyawan from Indonesia, ranked 61st.
An upset occurred when "Pink" Pichamon Opasanipat, a rising star and the 2023 World Junior Champion ranked 27th, defeated Supanida Ketthong, the 8th seed and world number 15, in straight games. Opasanipat advances to face India's Devika Sihak, ranked 40th.
In the mixed doubles, the top-seeded Thai pair "Bas" Dechapol Puavaranukroh and "Fame" Supisara Piewsampran triumphed over the Indonesian pair Adnan Maulana and Indah Kahya Sari Jamil, who are ranked 17th. The match ended with scores of 21-11, 20-22, and 21-18. In the next round, they will compete against another Thai duo, "Em" Supak Chomkoh and "Muk" Oranicha Chongsthapornpun, ranked 66th.