Last French representative still in the running for theMalaysian Open 2026, Alex Lanier (seeded 7) knew that he had to hit hard to hope to knock down Kunlavut Vitidsarn (THA), Olympic vice-champion and world vice-champion.
And the Norman was quick to respond. Very solid on his support and intelligent in his movements, the reigning European champion took the match into his own hands from the first exchanges. Despite some adjustments from the Thai, the Tricolor retained control of the game by varying the rhythms, finding the lines on his smashes and taking his opponent on the wrong foot to logically take the first set (21-15).
But the world number 2 then showed why he was one of the bosses of the international circuit. By extending the exchanges, and exploiting the slightest drop in the Frenchman’s pace, Kunlavut Vitidsarn gradually reversed the dynamic. Alex Lanier, in more difficulty in the second set, suffered the constant pressure imposed by his opponent and had to give up this second set (21-15, 10-21).
The third act quickly turned to the advantage of the Thai. Despite a tough start and some flashes of combativeness, the 20-year-old from Normandy was stifled by the defensive solidity of the vice-world champion. The latter showed consistency throughout the third round and brought his experience to bear in key moments to win this intense 1h22 fight (21-15, 10-21, 13-21).
Aware of the physical intensity that Alex Lanier inflicted on him, Kunlavut Vitidsarn collapsed after his victory. The two men greeted each other at length after this exceptional match.
If Alex Lanier stops short of a second Super 1000 semi-final after the All England 2025, this quarter-final confirms that he is capable of competing with the best players in the world.
