You could tell from his post-match reaction Kunlavut Vitidsarn had waited for this moment.

Not because he hasn’t won before – he’s a world champion after all – but because some milestones stubbornly refuse to be rushed.

On Saturday at PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2026, one of those milestones gave way. With a 21-16 21-16 win over Jonatan Christie, Vitidsarn booked his first Super 1000 final, a quiet achievement that somehow felt as loud as the Axiata Arena crowd once the realisation sank in.

Since his first Super 1000 appearance in 2020, he has gone on to play 17 more, reaching the semifinals on four occasions.

“This feels special,” he said afterward. “I’ve never reached the final at a Super 1000. I’m so excited to play tomorrow.”

The match itself, however, was less about excitement and more about survival.

“I felt tired and moved slower than him,” Vitidsarn admitted.

So he chose a plan, “patience, then attack”. He controlled when he could, waited when he had to and struck when the moment presented itself.

The venue helped. With fans cheering him on, Malaysia felt less like an away tournament and more like borrowed comfort.

“I feel like playing at home,” he said, crediting the fans who backed him through every rally, and he promised to give them everything once more in the final.

Whether there’s much left to give, against defending champion Shi Yu Qi, is another question entirely.

“I don’t think I have much energy anymore,” the world No.2 said with a laugh. “I used a lot of power the last two days. I have to rest and be ready for tomorrow.”

If he triumphs, it would end a title drought that has lingered since the Singapore Open in June.

If not, he has still proven something important – that even for champions, some doors open only when one is patient enough to keep knocking.

→ Results (Semifinals)

→ Order of play (Finals)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“We know that players are trying harder against us. We are always looking for ways to improve our game. Although our opponents analysed our game well, we got better throughout the match, but we will always find new ways to play and win.” – Kim Won Ho

“They performed exceptionally in front of an incredible crowd at the Axiata Arena. We were ahead in the first and second games, but they managed to turn things around. They’re very confident playing here (in KL). They also had a few lucky shuttles that made the difference. But beyond that, we also need to improve our skills.” – Fajar Alfian after losing a very close match 23-21 21-18 against home heroes Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik

“Every time I play Kunlavut, there is a new feeling and new challenge. He’s a great player, so on my part I will just rest and recover and then figure out if there is a new plan to implement to challenge him.” – Shi Yu Qi reveals his approach to his 11^th encounter with Kunlavut Vitidsarn in Sunday’s final after defeating Anders Antonsen 21-13 21-14 in the semifinals.