Thai World No. 1 Kunlavut Falls in French Open Opener
World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn crashed out of the French Open first round, losing 1-2 to France's No. 13 Toma Junior Popov after winning the opening game.
Thailand's world No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn battled through three games but fell short against world No. 13 Toma Junior Popov of France, bowing out in the first round of the 2026 Yonex French Open in France on October 20. In the men's singles opening round, 'View' Kunlavut started strongly to claim the first game 21-9, but the Frenchman rallied to take the next two games 21-14, 21-15, handing Kunlavut a 1-2 defeat. Meanwhile, 'Om' Phakkapon Teeraratsakul defeated Lee Jhe-huei of Taiwan 2-0 (21-10, 21-16) to advance to the second round.