Kunlavut Vitidsarn Knocked Out Early at Japan Open

A major upset took place at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium as top seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn was eliminated in the opening round of the Japan Open 2025 on Tuesday (July 15).

The Thai shuttler fell to China’s Weng Hong Yang in straight games, 21-13, 21-19, in a match that lasted 60 minutes.

Weng — often compared to badminton legend Lin Dan — surprised from the very start. The Chinese player led 11-6 at the first game interval after scoring four consecutive points.

Although he faced resistance from the 2023 world champion after the break, Weng managed to maintain his momentum and closed the match with a straight-game victory.