Kunlavut Vitidsarn yesterday eclipsed another home favourite Shesar Hiren Rhustavito 21-14 21-9 to seal a place in the DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2021 quarterfinals and it was a hair-raising moment for the 20-year-old.

“Yeah, I think it’s a lucky haircut,” laughed the Thai post-match as he sported a shorter trim following a stretch of tournaments across Europe.

The three-time world junior champion, who got off to an explosive start against Rhustavito after ousting his compatriot and Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in the first round, believes he is playing some of his best badminton.

“It’s all down to my plan too. I’m feeling really good,” Vitidsarn said  after his 40-minute victory.

Vitidsarn wants to battle the badminton heavyweights because he is able to keep his emotions in check. This year, the YONEX Swiss Open runner-up has already beaten four higher-ranked opponents – Lee Zii Jia, Lee Cheuk Yiu, Rhustavito and Ginting.

“I can play at these big tournaments. It’s great, I can play without putting pressure on myself,” said Vitidsarn, whose next opponent in Bali is world No.3 Anders Antonsen. They have never met on court before.

“I really want to play Antonsen because he’s a top 10 player. When I play the higher-ranked players, I don’t feel  pressure. I just want to do my best in every game and take it from there.”

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