Besides her talent, Sarunrak also possesses delicate features, youthful charm, bright eyes, and a captivating smile.

Sarunrak, a 20-year-old talent, is the younger sister of renowned male badminton player Kunlavut Vitidsarn. Kunlavut is the 2023 world champion, a 2024 Paris Olympic silver medalist, and a former world number one.

Currently ranked 106th globally, Sarunrak is making a strong comeback after a severe injury in 2024 that required surgery in 2025. Her return at the Vietnam Open, a Super 100 series event, saw her starting in the qualifying rounds. Over two days, she swiftly overcame three opponents from Malaysia, South Korea, and India to enter the main draw. Her most recent victory was against Bui Bich Phuong.

{"caption_all":"This was their first encounter, but both players attacked from the start without hesitation, in a match at Phan Dinh Phung Gymnasium, TP HCM, on the afternoon of 10/9.","caption_items":"["",""]"}

In their first encounter at the Phan Dinh Phung Gymnasium in TP HCM on 10/9, both players adopted an aggressive approach from the outset. Sarunrak's youthful energy and skill proved dominant, leading her to a decisive 2-0 win with scores of 21-13 and 21-9, securing her quarterfinal berth.

Reflecting on her performance, Sarunrak admitted, "At the start of the first set, I was a bit nervous and rushed into the match, so I couldn't control it well." However, she quickly found her footing. "After the 11-point mark, I gradually adapted to the court, wind direction, and match pace. Once I found my rhythm, I played better and controlled myself," she shared.

Sarunrak possesses innate talent, having earned bronze medals at both the Asian Junior Championships and the World Junior Championships in 2024. Despite her achievements, she has grappled with the pressure of her brother's success. "Previously, I felt pressure because my brother Kunlavut achieved so much success. Sometimes I thought I had to play and achieve the same results as him," she recounted.

However, Sarunrak has since adopted a healthier perspective. "But then I realized I shouldn't compare myself to him. Kunlavut also always advises me to focus on my own path and try to improve every day," she explained. She added, regarding her first Super 100 event: "This is my first time competing in a Super 100 tournament, so I don't want to put too much expectation or pressure on myself. I just want to try my best in each match, gain more experience, and enjoy every moment on the court."

{"caption_all":""This is my first time competing in a Super 100 tournament, so I don't want to put too much expectation or pressure on myself. I just want to try my best in each match, gain more experience, and enjoy every moment on the court," she happily shared.","caption_items":"["","",""]"}

Beyond her athletic prowess, Sarunrak's delicate features, youthful charm, bright eyes, and captivating smile have endeared her to Vietnamese audiences. She has received significant affection and admiration from fans. "Vietnamese people are very friendly and hospitable. They also supported me a lot throughout each match," she expressed. "So, don't hesitate to interact with me, even take pictures, I am always ready," she concluded, charmingly adding "Xin cam on" (Thank you) in Vietnamese.

Duc Dong