Now that she’s aced her last two events following her well-planned comeback from a break, Chen Yu Fei is eager to continue winning.

This time the 27-year-old wants to do it at a tournament that holds a special place in her heart – TOYOTA Thailand Open 2025.

“It’s an important title in my career, it’s one of the first I won in my senior career, back in 2019,” said the Chinese shuttler after beating Tomoka Miyazaki 21-11 23-21 in the semifinal on Saturday. “Now I want to win it again.”

Chen took a break following her early exit from the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she fell in the quarterfinals to her now-retired compatriot He Bing Jiao. Her return to competition began with the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships in February. After steady outings at the Orleans Masters and All England, she hit her stride by clinching back-to-back titles at the Swiss Open and Badminton Asia Championships.

“I expect to make further progress,” she said, referring to Sunday’s final. “I will be playing a local favourite (top seed Pornpawee Chochuwong), so I need to adjust to the crowd and the conditions. I’m taking it very seriously – I will prepare thoroughly and give it my all.”

A successful run, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion believes, will give her the momentum needed for loftier goals.

“I really want to win the World Championships and the Asian Games (in Japan next year),” said the world No.8, highlighting the two major titles missing from her collection.

Chen also had words of praise for her young semifinal opponent.

“Her speed and attacking play were impressive. She’s definitely one for the future.”

→ Results (Semifinals)

→ Order of play (Finals)