Chuang Yuan-hsueh Crowns Men's Badminton Singles at National Games; Idols Thai Star Kunlavut

In the 115th National Middle School Games (全中運) held in Chiayi, Chuang Yuan-hsueh, a standout player from Taipei City's Datung High School, dominated the men's singles badminton final today. After the match, he shared that his idol is Thai world star Kunlavut Vitidsarn and that he aspires to become a technically comprehensive player.

Originally from Chiayi, Chuang chose to move north to join the prestigious badminton program at Datung High School after graduating from junior high. Competing in his hometown for this year's National Games provided him with a 'hometown advantage,' with junior high schoolmates cheering him on from the stands. Chuang defeated Yang Jie-dan of New Taipei City's Neng Ren High School with a score of 21-7, 21-15, marking a perfect conclusion to his final appearance in the National Middle School Games.

Having successfully been promoted to the 'Grade A' (Elite) division in this year's first national ranking tournament, Chuang remarked that his stability and technical variety have significantly improved this season. His next challenge will be the U19 Asian Junior Badminton Championships in Japan this June.

Chuang revealed that his idol is Kunlavut Vitidsarn (world ranked No. 2). He spends time analyzing Kunlavut's game through videos, noting, 'He seems so relaxed on court, yet he controls the entire match.' He hopes to achieve that level of tactical mastery.

In the women's singles final, it was an all-Datung showdown. Liao Yuan-chi defeated her teammate Ke Jia-ling 21-15, 16-21, 21-14 to take the title. Coach Lin Chun-yung stated he encourages his players to pursue a 'three-blade style' (competing in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles). Liao agreed, noting that finding joy across different disciplines helps maintain her passion for badminton.