'I want the Under-19 title to add to my collection' - Kunlavut
Thai sensation Kunlavut Vitidsarn gave another smashing performance to tear China's Bai Yupeng apart with a 21-14, 21-12 win in the men's singles semi-finals in the Pembangunan Jaya Raya Badminton Asia Junior Championships in Bintaro, Jakarta on Saturday.
The talented Kunlavut, who has won the Badminton Asia Championships Under-15 and Under-17 titles issued a warning to his rival that he is ready for the Under-title no matter who he plays.
In Sunday's final Kulavut plays India's former world junior number Lakshya Sen of India. Lakshya was in devasting form too in his 40-minute 21-7, 21-14 win over Indonesia's Ikhsan Leonardo Imanuel Rumbay
"Yes. I am ready to for the final. I am more than pleased with form and I believe I have it in me to go all the way for the Under-19 title. It is my burning desire to make it count to add to my collection of titles," said Kunlavut after the match.
So disappointed was Yupeng with the defeat that it took a while before he shook hands with Kunlavut after the match,
It has been a disappointment for the Chinese in the men's singles after second-seeded Li Shifeng was beaten 21-14, 21-12 by India's Lakshya Sen in the quarter-finals on Friday.
A disappointed Rumbay said: "I was nervous and did not play my normal game. Lakshya was more strong mentally. He also rode on his experience of playing at higher level tournaments."
Sixth-seeded Lakshya said: "I have my target here and I am pleased to have reached the final. My previous best was a bronze medal which I won in Bangkok two years ago."
RESULTS (SEMI-FINALS)
Men's singles
Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Tha) beat Bai Yupeng (Chn) 21-14, 21-12
Lakshya Sen (Ind) beat Ikhsan Leonardo Imanuel Rumbay (Ina) 21-7, 21-14
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