Badminton's Victor Lai shakes off previous struggles at Korea Open, becoming first Canadian title winner

Patience paid off Sunday for Canadian badminton star Victor Lai.

After rebounding from a slow start in the semifinals, the world’s seventh-ranked men’s player defeated No. 17 Jason Gunawan of Hong Kong 21-11, 21-14 to become the first-ever Canadian to win the Korea Open.

Lai, who hails from Markham, Ont., will bring home $37,000 US in prize money for his performance at the prominent BWF 500 World Tour stop.

The 21-year-old Canadian, who is approaching $250,000 in career earnings, previously experienced a series of first-round exits at the tournament.

“Victor continues to shine on the world stage,” Badminton Canada executive director Bryan Merrett said in a news release. “His ability to learn from past performances continues to set him up for success.”

Lai’s standout 2026 season also includes a BWF World Tour Super 1000 title at the Indonesia Open in early June when was ranked 14th in the world.

In Sunday’s semifinals, Lai dropped a 21-19 decision to Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong before victories of 21-15 and 21-12 to advance.

He described Lee as a talented player with a “good attack.”

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Sunday’s title win moves Lai in position to be among eight qualifiers for the World Tour Finals next month in Hangzhou, China.

In August, Lai repeated as men's singles bronze medallist at the world championships in New Delhi.

He claimed Canada's first-ever world medal a year ago.

Lai has also recorded podium finishes at the All England Open and Pan Am Individual Championships.

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