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Anders Antonsen produced a sensational comeback from a game down to upset home favourite Kunlavut Vitidsarn 9-21, 24-22, 21-18 and clinch the 2026 Thailand Open title in Bangkok on Sunday.
Antonsen made amends for last year's final, in which Vitidsarn had beaten the Dane in another three-game thriller, as per Olympics.com. After advancing to Sunday's final following reigning world champion Shi Yuqi's withdrawal from their semi-final clash, Anders Antonsen endured a shaky start at Bangkok's Nimibutr Stadium. The world No. 3 was locked at 5-5 early in the opening game, but as Kunlavut Vitidsarn began dictating the rallies with relentless precision, the home favourite surged ahead to take the opener comfortably after a fiercely contested battle. With the pressure mounting, Anders Antonsen finally rediscovered his rhythm in the second game before expertly moving Olympic silver medallist Kunlavut Vitidsarn around the court in the decider to seal his maiden Thailand Open crown. The hard-fought victory, achieved after one hour and 37 minutes of intense battle, marked Antonsen's second title of the year and his eighth win over Vitidsarn in their 12 career meetings. "It feels so incredible. I'm lost for words right now. I don't really believe it, because it was looking very bad in that third game, and also in the second, actually, (where) I was down most of the time. So, yeah, I'm amazed. I can't believe it. I'm so happy, so thrilled. Amazing experience in there once again. Last year was insane as well, but to get the win this year feels incredible," said Antonsen as per the Badminton World Federation website. (ANI)
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