Hong Kong’s Lee brushed aside in Thailand Open final, says pressure meant he ‘did not play’ his best in lopsided loss
- Lee Chuek-yiu downed in straight games 21-12, 21-10 in just 38 minutes by Kunlavut Vitidsarn
- South Korea’s An Se-young cruises past China’s He Bingjiao to win her fourth title of the year
Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk-yiu lost in straight games to Kunlavut Vitidsarn at the Thailand Open on Sunday, and said the pressure of being back in a final after four years took its toll.
The world No 17 was behind for almost the entire match as badminton fans cheered on the home favourite at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok.
Facing the tournament’s second seed, the Hongkonger led only for some brief moments after taking the first point of the opening game.
The second game was closer in the early stages, but Vitidsarn, who is a three-time junior world champions, pulled away when the score was tied 7-7
The 22-year-old Thai went on to seal his title with a 21-12, 21-10 win in 38 minutes, and improved the head-to-head record with Lee to three wins in as many meetings.
“It was my first final in a little more than three years,” Lee said. “I definitely wanted to win it.