Causing a Racket
Tatler Singapore|Jan 2023
After a career-defining year, Singaporean badminton star Loh Kean Yew gets real about the highs and lows that come with playing to be the best
Coco Marett.
Causing a Racket

Loh Kean Yew is having a moment. In November last year, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) ranked Loh number three in the world—a year earlier, he was 40th on the list. That same month, the Penang-born Singaporean badminton star was named Sportsman of the Year at the Singapore Sports Awards 2022—a title previously won by the likes of Olympic gold medallist swimmer Joseph Schooling and billiards champion Peter Gilchrist.

Then, in December, Loh made his debut at the 2022 BWF World Tour Finals in Bangkok, making him the first Singapore men’s player to qualify for the annual season-ending tournament. Though he ultimately lost to Indonesian player Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, rather than feeling discouraged, Loh says he is more motivated than ever. “I’m still an underdog; there are a lot of people who are better than me,” he says. “I’m taking every match as a learning experience.”

Despite the 25-year-old’s meteoric rise, Loh has not forgotten where he came from. Growing up in Penang, he began playing badminton when he was four with his elder brother Loh Kean Hean, using the gate at the front of their family house as a net. Kean Hean is currently also a professional shuttler, playing for Singapore in the men’s doubles category. “I look up to him and learnt a lot from him. I always wanted to be better than him; that was my goal and I guess I did it,” Loh quips, adding that his brother had always been his “goal and aspiration”.

Denne historien er fra Jan 2023-utgaven av Tatler Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra Jan 2023-utgaven av Tatler Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA TATLER SINGAPORESe alt
Old-World CHARM
Tatler Singapore

Old-World CHARM

Professional photographer and content creator Zipeng Lee takes off to Switzerland to experience some of the country’s most storied heritage hotels

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi
Tatler Singapore

THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi

Renowned Noma chef René Redzepi and executive producer Matt Goulding unpack Apple TV's new eight-part docuseries, Omnivore, and its exploration of humanity through food

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
COURAGE OF CONVICTION
Tatler Singapore

COURAGE OF CONVICTION

Tatler speaks to Bing Chen, Prabal Gurung and Kevin Lin to discuss how their non-profit Gold House is changing the future of the Asian diaspora

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
INDUSTRIALI
Tatler Singapore

INDUSTRIALI

Exploring the important sustainability efforts taking place beyond obvious industries

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
THE BALL'S INHER COURT
Tatler Singapore

THE BALL'S INHER COURT

China's most celebrated tennis star Li Na opens up about her career, influencing young athletes and her continuous learning journey

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Love Story
Tatler Singapore

Love Story

Set in Paris, Graff's new bridal campaign marries the timelessness of love and diamonds

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Over the Rainbow
Tatler Singapore

Over the Rainbow

The inspirations behind Hermés creative director for jewellery Pierre Hardy's latest and gorgeously colourful high jewellery collection surprise and delight

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
Twist and Turn
Tatler Singapore

Twist and Turn

Bvlgari's debut Tubogas jewellery collection reimagines a classic technique with 16 stunning creations

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
Game On
Tatler Singapore

Game On

From diamond‑set carabiner‑inspired clasps to a carbon fibre cuff, Chanel knocks it out of the park with Sport, an audacious and innovative high jewellery collection unlike any other

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
The Wrist Taker
Tatler Singapore

The Wrist Taker

Shipping scion and basketball team owner Hendi Widodo unlocks his vault of rarefied timepieces

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024