Legendary appetiser: Kunlavut feasts on advice from Chong Wei [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Kunlavut Vitidsarn is ranked No. 2 in the world and already a world champion, yet the Thai ace insists he is still chasing a standard he has not reached.

And the person shaping that journey behind the scenes happens to be the man he grew up idolising — Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei.

The 24-year-old eased into the last 16 of the Malaysia Open, but spoke more about self-doubt, growth and mentorship than the result itself.

"I'm not good enough yet," he admitted after beating Taiwan's Wang Tzu Wei 21-10, 21-13 in the opening round at Axiata Arena on Wednesday.

"Against the top players, my attack is still not strong. I know it myself, there is still a lot to learn. Every single training session, every match I played, I picked up something new."

Kunlavut revealed that he caught up with Chong Wei earlier this week, and the meeting was as Malaysian as it gets.

"We met earlier and went for a meal. He brought me to this nice spot, I wasn't sure where, but it was very far from my hotel," he laughed.

The dinner session reflected their growing friendship, just two years after they first met at the Malaysia Open in 2023.

When Kunlavut won the World Championships later that same year, he credited Chong Wei's guidance.

"Whenever I'm in town, we'll hang out if he's free. He's always busy."

But dinner with a legend didn't stay casual for long.

"I got some advice from him. He told me to attack more and give opponents more pressure," Kunlavut said.

"When I get chances, sometimes I make easy mistakes. I need to be braver."

For Kunlavut, those are not just tactical notes — they are reminders of the mindset he is chasing.

Kunlavut humality is exemplary.

When reminded that he is a world champion, he smiled and replied: "That was luck. I know I'm not yet a top player. I'm just a normal player. I need to work harder."

Kunlavut admitted he still finds it difficult to remain consistent week in, week out.

"Sometimes after I win, the next tournament I lose early. This year I hope to stabilise — step by step.

"Men's singles is very difficult. My target is to reach the semi-finals first. Every match, I just try my best."

He pointed to world No. 1 Shi Yuqi as the standard he must overcome.

"Against Yuqi, many times I am defending. If my attacking game improves, I can pressure him more — then I have a chance."

He added that Denmark's Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen is another constant measuring stick.

"Yuqi and Axelsen — both are top, top class."

For Kunlavut, humility is not an act — it is how he processes a field he believes is tighter than ever.

"Every opponent is difficult. Now every country is strong — the top 15 are almost the same level."

So he keeps his world small: one match, one lesson at a time.

"See tomorrow first — whether Koki Watanabe (Japan) or Weng Hong Yang (China). Top players again. I'll try my best to beat them."