Loh Kean Yew Makes History as First Singaporean in Asian Games Badminton Final
- Singaporean badminton player Loh Kean Yew secured his place in the history books on September 28, 2026, by defeating South Korea's Yoo Tae-bin 21-19, 19-21, 21-12 in the...
- Donning a white jersey and headband to channel the powerful "Gear Fifth" state of Monkey D.
- Loh will face Thailand's second-ranked Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the September 29, 2026, title-decider after the Thai player defeated Indonesia's 10th-ranked Alwi Farhan 21-13, 21-15 in the other semi-final.
Singaporean badminton player Loh Kean Yew secured his place in the history books on September 28, 2026, by defeating South Korea’s Yoo Tae-bin 21-19, 19-21, 21-12 in the men’s singles semi-finals at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium. With the victory, the 29-year-old world No. 13 became the first Singaporean to reach a badminton final at the Asian Games.
Loh Kean Yew Defeats Yoo Tae-bin in Semi-Finals
Donning a white jersey and headband to channel the powerful “Gear Fifth” state of Monkey D. Luffy from the One Piece manga series, Loh skipped happily across the court after securing his spot in the gold medal match. The semi-final test against 22-year-old Yoo proved physically demanding for the Singaporean. Backed by loud chants of “Daehan Minguk” from South Korean supporters, the 1.86m underdog utilized an 11-centimeter height advantage to unleash booming smashes that tested Loh’s defensive lifts against the gymnasium drift.
Loh emerged from his first meeting against the world No. 46 with plastered fingers, scraped knuckles and knees, and a blood-stained top. He’s been playing well recently to beat many higher-ranked players along the way. I’m 29, an old man, and he’s a rising star, so he’s like a boy to me,
Loh said after the match. The South Korean had previously eliminated several opponents earlier in the tournament, including Taiwan’s Lin Chun-yi, China’s Shi Yuqi, and Japan’s Kodai Naraoka.
Gold Medal Match Against Kunlavut Vitidsarn
Loh will face Thailand’s second-ranked Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the September 29, 2026, title-decider after the Thai player defeated Indonesia’s 10th-ranked Alwi Farhan 21-13, 21-15 in the other semi-final. Kunlavut holds a superior 8-2 head-to-head record against the Singaporean, though Loh won their last encounter in the India Open quarter-finals in January. Kunlavut’s a strong player, and everyone knows it,
Loh noted. 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.
Having previously suffered defeats in the first hurdles of both the men’s singles and team events at his Asiad debut in China three years prior, Loh is now assured of at least a silver medal. The achievement marks only the second time Team Singapore has stood on an Asian Games badminton podium, following the women’s team bronze medal won in 2006. When asked if he had another celebratory manga reference prepared for the final, Loh teased, If I win, then you’ll see… I have something very suitable. But if I lose, you’ll never know and I can never show it.