Former world junior champion Pitchamon Opatniputh has broken new ground, reaching her first women’s singles final on the HSBC BWF World Tour.

The 18-year-old Thai progressed to the YONEX Taipei Open 2025 title match after coming from behind to defeat last year’s winner Sim Yu Jin 12-21 21-15 21-13 at the Taipei Arena on Saturday.

“I’ve exceeded my expectations, I’m very proud of myself,” said an elated Opatniputh. “I’m so excited and I can’t wait for the final.”

Opatniputh said sticking to her strengths helped her neutralise Sim.

“She played well in the first game but I managed to control the second and third,” she explained. “I think my defence won me the match. My coach told me to focus on playing my game and not to put too much pressure on myself. So I was able to impose my style on the contest.”

This breakthrough comes as a well-earned reward for Opatniputh, who has battled through a string of injuries since capturing the 2023 BWF World Junior Championships gold medal.

Asked about her fitness level, the teenager admitted she’s still on the road to full recovery.

“I don’t think I’m at 100 per cent yet – probably around 80 – but I can feel my level rising.”

In the final, Opatniputh will take on Tomoka Miyazaki – the very player she succeeded as world junior champion. Miyazaki won her semifinal in straight games, 21-19 21-11, against Indian Unnati Hooda.

Local fans will have plenty to cheer for on finals day with Chinese Taipei represented in three categories: men’s singles (Chou Tien Chen), men’s doubles (Wang Chi-Lin/Chiu Hsiang Chieh) and women’s doubles (Hsieh Pei Shan/Hung En Tzu).

Chou, eyeing a record-equalling fifth title to match compatriot Tai Tzu Ying, advanced with a 21-18 21-17 win over surprise package Ayush Shetty. He now faces Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew.

Indonesia, meanwhile, are guaranteed the mixed doubles crown as a result of Dejan Ferdinansyah/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti and Jafar Hidayatullah/Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu setting up a duel against each other.

→ Results (Semifinals)

→ Order of play (Finals)