China‘s Chen Yufei completed a remarkable comeback at the KFF Singapore Open, held on June 1, after defeating compatriot Wang Zhiyi in a dominant 21-11, 21-11 victory. This win marks her first title at the prestigious US$1 million event, capping a stellar return to form following a period of self-reflection.

Chen’s journey back to the top began after a disappointing showing at the August 2024 Olympics. “It mainly helped me relax more and deal with pressure better,” Chen said, reflecting on her break. “It was like starting over,especially with my ranking continuously dropping,everything signalled a fresh beginning.” This fresh outlook has propelled her from world No. 11 to No. 5, extending her unbeaten streak to 20 matches since the Swiss Open in march.

En route to her Singapore Open victory, Chen overcame formidable opponents, including a notable 21-13, 21-16 quarter-final win against reigning Olympic champion and world No. 1 An Se-young. in the final against Wang Zhiyi, Chen seized control early, leading 11-7 at the interval and securing the first game 21-11. She maintained her momentum in the second game, clinching the win and the US$70,000 prize.

“The draw for this tournament wasn’t notably favourable for me,so to be able to fight through one match at a time to the end was beyond what I expected,” Chen noted,highlighting the challenges she overcame. Her ambition remains undeterred as she aims to add Asian Games and world titles to her already impressive list of achievements.

The tournament also saw thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn deliver a commanding performance in the men’s singles final, securing his fourth title of the season with a 21-6, 21-10 victory over China’s Lu Guangzu. Lu, ranked no. 15 in the world, struggled against the Paris Olympics silver medallist, who remained undefeated throughout the event.

Kunlavut dominated the match from the start, quickly establishing a 13-2 lead in the first game and maintaining control in the second. His victory in Singapore will elevate him to world No. 1, making him the first Thai men’s singles player to achieve this milestone. “I feel really happy because I’ve been doing really well this year and there’s room for me to grow in the following tournament,” Kunlavut said.

Kunlavut Vitidsarn’s Rise to the Top

Kunlavut’s ascent to the top ranking reflects his dedication and focus.”It’s a good thing I’m world No. 1,” he acknowledged. “Of course there’s always pressure and I already said in the beginning that I would like to try to win all the tournaments and that’s what I’m focused on at the moment.”

“It mainly helped me relax more and deal with pressure better. It was like starting over.”

Other notable results from the KFF Singapore Open include South Korea’s kim Hye-jeong and Kong Hee-yong winning the women’s doubles title, Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran securing the mixed doubles title, and Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi yik triumphing in the men’s doubles.