Aichi-Nagoya: Loh Kean Yew is one victory away from Asian Games gold after becoming the first Singaporean badminton player to reach a final at the continental showpiece.
The 29-year-old continued his memorable run at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games on Monday, battling past South Korea’s Yoo Tae-bin 21-19, 19-21, 21-12 in a hard-fought men’s singles semifinal at Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium.
The victory guaranteed Loh at least a silver medal, but the former world champion will have his sights firmly set on gold when he meets Thailand’s world No. 2 Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the final on Sept. 29.
Loh Kean Yew Delivers in Three-Game Semifinal
Loh had to work for his place in the title match. After edging the opening game 21-19, the Singaporean saw Yoo respond by taking another tight game 21-19 to force a decider.
With a place in the final at stake, Loh found another gear. He pulled away in the third game and closed out the contest 21-12, adding another milestone to an Asian Games campaign that has already captured plenty of attention.
Loh has also entertained the crowd in Ichinomiya with celebrations inspired by Monkey D. Luffy, the main character from the Japanese manga and anime series One Piece. Wearing a white jersey and headband on Monday, Loh again drew inspiration from Luffy’s powerful “Gear Fifth” transformation as he marked his latest victory.
Kunlavut Vitidsarn Awaits in Gold-Medal Match
The final will bring together two familiar opponents and close friends, with Kunlavut securing his place after defeating Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan 21-13, 21-15 in the other semifinal.
The Thai star holds an 8-2 advantage in their career head-to-head record. Loh, however, won their most recent encounter in the India Open quarterfinals in January.
“Kunlavut’s a strong player, and everyone knows it,” Loh said. “On paper for sure, he is going to be the favourite – he is higher ranked and has the better record. I’m going back to rest, prepare myself to the fullest, and fight for each point tomorrow.”
Loh also made clear that reaching the final has not changed his objective.
“For sure I can push. I’m just going to give it my all out there tomorrow and hope for the best,” he said.
The gold-medal encounter will also renew a rivalry that included their meeting in the SEA Games final four years ago, when Kunlavut defeated Loh for the title.
Watch Loh Kean Yew vs. Yoo Tae-bin Highlights
Leo Carnando-Daniel Marthin Stun World No. 1 Pair
Indonesia’s Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin produced one of the biggest results in the men’s doubles competition, knocking out South Korea’s world No. 1 pair Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae.
The world No. 46 Indonesians delivered an impressive straight-game performance, defeating the top-ranked Koreans 21-11, 21-14 to secure a place in the final.
They will face China’s world No. 3 Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang in the battle for gold.
Liang and Wang had a more difficult route through their semifinal against Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri. The Chinese pair took the opening game 21-17 before Fajar and Fikri responded 21-13 in the second.
Liang and Wang then took control of the deciding game, winning 21-9 to complete a 21-17, 13-21, 21-9 victory and book their place in the final.
Watch Leo Carnando-Daniel Marthin vs. Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae
Video source: YouTube/Alie
For Loh, the focus now shifts to one final match against Kunlavut, with an opportunity to turn an already historic run into Singapore’s first Asian Games badminton gold medal.
