Kunlavut Beats French Opponent to Reach Kumamoto Masters Semifinals
Thai badminton star Kunlavut Vitidsarn, ranked world No. 2, defeated France's Toma Junior Popov 21-18, 21-7 in the quarter-finals of the Kumamoto Masters Japan 2026. The victory sends him into the semifinals of the Super 500 tournament, keeping his championship hopes alive.
The Badminton World Tour Super 500 tournament, Kumamoto Masters Japan 2026, took place from November 10-15 in Japan. On November 13, 2026, in the men's singles quarter-finals, "View" Kunlavut Vitidsarn, world No. 2 and second seed, faced Toma Junior Popov, world No. 13 and seventh seed from France. Kunlavut displayed excellent form, controlling the match confidently to win 2-0 with scores of 21-18 and 21-7, advancing to the semifinals and continuing his quest for the championship.