Despite playing against the more experienced and world number six Singaporean, Kunlavut, 21, showed great composure to win 21-11, 20-22, 21-14 in 80 minutes in the quarterfinal match.

“Kean Yew played very well today, he was very fast and good at attacking, but I also played equally well.

“I’m not pressured meeting top players, so I am able to control my game. That is the reason I could defeat him,” said the three-time former world junior champion.

The win also helped Kunlavut extend his winning record against Kean Yew to 3-1, with his only loss being during their first encounter in the 2015 Thailand International Challenge.

In the semifinals tomorrow, Kunlavut will play the winner of the match between Kodai Naraoka of Japan and HS Prannoy of India.