Thai Nemesis In Loh's Way

After hectic 10 days, he faces world No. 2 Kunlavut, who is 7-1 in their head-to-head

- David Lee

Despite playing his eighth match in 10 days, Singapore badminton star Loh Kean Yew eventually rose to the occasion to beat Denmark's Rasmus Gemke 15-21, 21-12, 21-11 in their men's singles quarter-final at the US$475,000 (S$616,500) Thailand Open on May 16.

By reaching the May 17 semi-final against Thailand's world No. 2 Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the 27-year-old has gained enough points to make it back to the top 10 in the world ranking.

He has leapfrogged compatriot Jason Teh and Taiwanese Lin Chun-yi to the top in the race to the year-end Badminton World Federation World Tour Finals.

But if he is to reach his second final in two weeks, he will have to step up a few gears at Bangkok's Nimibutr Stadium against world champion and home favourite Kunlavut, who has an overwhelming 7-1 lead in their head-to-head record.

The 24-year-old Thai had dispatched Japan's world No. 12 Kenta Nishimoto 21-16, 21-18 in their quarter-final.

The other men's semi-final at the Super 500 event will pit Denmark's world No. 3 Anders Antonsen against China's 14th-ranked Lu Guangzu.

Loh told The Straits Times: "I just kept focusing on each point and will continue to try my best in all my matches. It's only going to get harder from here because everyone is strong in their own ways, and I'll have to prepare myself to the fullest.