Kunlavut Vitidsarn reached his first DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters 2025 final with an emphatic 21-13 21-17 victory over top seed Shi Yu Qi.

The Thai shuttler’s defensive style and composure dismantled Shi’s attacking game, leaving the Chinese unable to find his footing. It follows the world champion’s recent wins over some of badminton’s elite, including the world No.1 HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2024 winner.

“Shi’s a top player and a fighter. I must try my best when I play the best,” said Vitidsarn.

The 23-year-old downplayed his growing stature in the sport, choosing instead to focus on steady progress.

“For me, it’s all step-by-step. If I think about the future a lot, there will be pressure,” he explained.

In the final, ‘View’ will face home favourite Jonatan Christie, backed by a passionate crowd at the iconic Istora Senayan. Christie, who overcame Wang Tzu Wei 21-18 24-22, holds a strong 7-3 lead in their head-to-head, highlighting the challenge ahead for Vitidsarn. On taking on both Christie and the raucous home support, Vitidsarn said: “Nothing less than a good performance. Just enjoy the match, learn from Christie and try my best.”

Meanwhile, Kim Hye Jeong/Kong Hee Yong made a second consecutive final in two weeks as they outclassed Jia Yi Fan/Zhang Shu Xian 21-17 22-20.

The Koreans, who partnered up in November, already have one Super 500 title to their name – Korea Masters 2024. They are looking to add a second one following a runners-up finish at the India Open last week.

“It’s been two tough weeks but we keep going,” said Kong. “It means a lot to be in two finals in two weeks. What I like about playing with Kim is her attack. She’s great to watch upfront when she’s attacking. She’s energetic too. I feed off her energy.”

Kim/Kong play Tan Pearly/Thinaah Muralitharan in the final. It will be their second meeting with the head-to-head in favour of the Koreans.

→ Results (Semifinals)

→ Order of Play (Finals)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“I wasn’t happy with my serve and return earlier in the week. I’ve been working on it a lot this week in training and I think that came through in our semifinal.” – Chen Fang Hui about the progress she’s made in her game after she and Guo Xin Wa defeated Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran 22-20 21-12 to reach their second Super 500 final

“The older I become, the better I get. I don’t know about injuries or where my fitness is but I know my body and how to take care of it. I remember to practice self-love.” – Ratchanok Intanon shares the secret to staying competitive in her later years of playing

“We love the fans here, they’re wild. I can’t hear my partner or the shuttle but that’s okay. I really enjoy playing in Jakarta.” – Kai Wun Tee after he and Man Wei Chong beat compatriots Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik

“Playing Indonesians (Rinov Rivaldy/Lisa Ayu Kusumawati) on home soil is tough. At times it felt like we were taking on more than two people on court. The Indonesian fans are really loud but we could also hear Japanese supporters in the crowd. That gave me feel-good energy.” – Natsu Saito