MALAYSIA'S Lee Shun Yang and Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn came from the same generation of juniors players.
While Shun Yang is still in the national backup squad, Kunlavut has become one of the world's best in men's singles.
Yesterday, the world No 276 Shun Yang went down tamely 21-11, 21-11 to world No 18 Kunlavut in the quarter-finals as Malaysia's challenge in the Sea Games men's singles fizzled out.
Shun Yang admitted that Kunlavut has developed into a top player since their first meeting at the 2018 BTW Junior International in Bangkok.
"We are both 21, but I must say I really admire how far he has gone in his career," said Shun Yang yesterday.
"Having last played the Thai in 2018, I was excited to take him on today. There was no pressure, and I gave my best, but he is just really good.
"Frankly, I am nowhere close to his level of badminton. I am not envious but admire him for going so far in his career."
The three-time world junior champion Kunlavut is expected to advance to the final and challenge reigning world champion and top seed, Loh Kean Yew, for the Sea Games gold.
Second seed Kunlavut headed to Hanoi on the back of an inspiring display at the recent Thomas Cup in Bangkok, where he won both of his first singles matches, including against world No 5 Anthony Ginting of Indonesia.
Kunlavut will face surprise-package Jason Teh of Singapore, who upset Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo of Indonesia 21-16, 21-16, in the semi-finals today.
Kean Yew faces the evergreen home favourite Nguyen Tien Minh in the other semi-final.
Malaysia are also out of the running for a medal in the women's singles following Siti Nurshuhaini Azman's quarter-final defeat to top seed Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand. The Malaysian lost 21-17, 21-8.
However, Malaysia are already certain of at least three bronze medals in the women's doubles and mixed doubles.
Cheah Yee See-Cheng Su Hui defeated Aira Mae Nicole Albo-Thea Marie Pomar of the Philippines 21-13, 21-11 to set up a semi-final clash against Thai second seeds Benyapa Aimsaard-Nuntakarn Aimsaard in the women's doubles.
In the mixed doubles quarter-finals, Hoo Pang Ron-Cheah Yee See defeated Thailand's Chaloempon Charoenkitamorn-Laksika Kanlaha 21-8, 21-16, while Chen Tang Jie-Peck Yen Wei edged Singapore's Terry Hee-Tan Wei Han 21-19, 21-19.
Tang Jie-Yen Wei had lost to the Singapore pair in the India Open final in January.
"It's a great feeling for sure," said Tang Jie of the win over Terry-Wei Han.
"However, we did not think about the defeat in India when we were on the court today. We have assured a bronze, but we hope to try for a better colour."
Second seed Pang Ron-Yee See will face Indonesia's Adnan Maulana-Mychelle Crhystine Badaso for a place in the final today.
Tang Jie-Yen Wei take on Indonesia's top seeds Rinov Rivaldy-Pitha Haningtyas Mentari in the other semi-final.