Thai badminton sensation Kunlavut Vitidsarn has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Hong Kong Open, a BWF Super 500 event, a decision that has sent a ripple through the men’s singles field. The tournament, boasting a total prize pool of US$500,000, is set to take place from September 9 to 14, 2025, at the Hong Kong Coliseum. Vitidsarn’s absence comes as he prioritizes rest and recovery following a grueling campaign at the recent World Championships in Paris.
The 24-year-old, who would have entered the Hong Kong Open as the top seed, is taking time off after a demanding week that saw him battle his way to the World Championships final. In a thrilling and hard-fought match, Vitidsarn ultimately finished as the runner-up, losing to China’s World No. 1 Shi Yuqi in a three-game classic. The intense final, which lasted over an hour, showcased the physical and mental toll of elite-level badminton, making his decision to withdraw from the Hong Kong event understandable.
Vitidsarn’s withdrawal means the top seed position for the Hong Kong Open men’s singles will now be filled by another player, shaking up the draw and creating an opportunity for other contenders to make a run at the title. While his fans in Hong Kong will be disappointed, the move highlights a strategic approach to his season, prioritizing his long-term health and performance.
The Thai star has had a phenomenal 2025 season, establishing himself as one of the most dominant forces on the BWF World Tour. His trophy cabinet has been significantly bolstered with several prestigious titles, including the Indonesia Masters, Thailand Open, and Singapore Open. Additionally, he captured the coveted Badminton Asia Championships title, a victory that ended a long-standing drought for Thailand in the men’s singles category. His consistent success throughout the year, culminating in his World Championships silver medal, underscores his status at the pinnacle of the sport.
Despite his absence from the Hong Kong Open, badminton fans will not have to wait long to see Kunlavut back on the court. He is confirmed to participate in the China Masters, a Super 750 event with an even larger prize pool, to be held in Shenzhen, China, immediately following the Hong Kong Open. This packed schedule further emphasizes the importance of managing his workload and ensuring he is in peak condition for the high-stakes tournaments.
For a player of Vitidsarn’s caliber, strategic withdrawals are a common practice to prevent injury and maintain a high level of play throughout the demanding BWF season. While the Hong Kong Open loses its top-seeded drawcard, the move allows Vitidsarn to recharge and prepare for the next major challenge in Shenzhen, where he will once again be among the favorites to win the title. His absence is a testament to the brutal schedule faced by the world’s best players and the calculated decisions they must make to sustain their careers at the top.