Kunlavut faces Loh Kean Yew for Asian Games badminton gold

Thailand’s Kunlavut “View” Vitidsarn will face Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew in the men’s singles badminton final at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games on Tuesday (September 29), with the gold-medal match expected at around 2.30pm Thailand time.

The final will be held at Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Thai viewers can follow the match on ONE 31 and AIS PLAY.

Kunlavut reached the final after beating Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan 21-13, 21-15 in the semi-finals, becoming the first Thai men’s singles player to reach an Asian Games final and guaranteeing Thailand at least a silver medal.

Loh secured his place in the final with a 21-19, 19-21, 21-12 victory over South Korea’s Yoo Tae-bin. The Singaporean is also making history as his country’s first badminton finalist at the Asian Games.

Kunlavut holds strong record against Loh

Kunlavut has won in five out of six previous meetings between the pair:

• 2025 Badminton Asia Championships semi-final: Kunlavut beat Loh 23-21, 21-10.
• 2023 Badminton Asia Championships quarter-final: Loh beat Kunlavut 20-22, 21-19, 21-19.
• 2023 Malaysia Open quarter-final: Kunlavut beat Loh 21-11, 20-22, 21-14.
• 2021 SEA Games men’s singles final, played in May 2022: Kunlavut beat Loh 21-13, 21-13 to win gold.
• 2019 Thailand International Series final: Kunlavut beat Loh 21-11, 22-24, 21-13.
• 2019 Mongolia International Challenge quarter-final: Kunlavut beat Loh 21-11, 21-17.

Contrasting styles set up final

Kunlavut is known for his defensive resilience, court coverage and ability to change pace during long rallies. He is also adept at turning defence into attack with tight net play and changes of rhythm.

Loh’s strengths are his speed, explosive movement and powerful attacking game from the rear court. He is particularly dangerous when able to take the shuttle early and control the front court.

The final therefore shapes up as a contrast between Kunlavut’s patience and rally management and Loh’s high-tempo attacking style.

Thailand’s Asian Games schedule on September 29

Thailand has several medal opportunities throughout the day:

• 8.30am — Sepak takraw: Thailand v Malaysia, men’s regu final. Live on Thairath TV 32 and AIS PLAY.
• 11am — Boxing: Natchanicha Jongprongklang in the women’s 54kg semi-final against Japan. Live on T Sports 7 and AIS PLAY.
• 2.20pm — Weightlifting: Supatchanin Khamhaeng in the women’s +86kg Group A. Live on MONOMAX SPORTS TV and AIS PLAY.
• Around 2.30pm — Badminton: Kunlavut Vitidsarn v Loh Kean Yew, men’s singles final. Live on ONE 31 and AIS PLAY.
• 4.20pm — Athletics: Phasapong Amsam-ang in the men’s pole vault final. Live on PPTV HD 36 and AIS PLAY.
• 6.45pm onwards — Athletics: Mixed 4x100m relay final and men’s 4x400m relay final. Live on T Sports 7 and AIS PLAY.