Eighteen-year-old Tomoka Miyazaki is through to her first Super 500 semifinal at LI-NING Hong Kong Open 2024.

The fact she advanced by beating an established star like Ratchanok Intanon 21-18 17-21 22-20 meant a great deal to the youngster.

Miyazaki said she had been waiting for the opportunity to take on Intanon after losing a close Round of 16 duel at the Thailand Masters in February.

“I lost to her previously so I’ve been preparing for this rematch a long time,” said Miyazaki. “I’m happy I was able to win this time. It gives me a lot of confidence that I could overcome this barrier. It’s a meaningful result.”

On what won her the match, which lasted 72 minutes, the pint-sized 2022 world junior champion said: “I could keep the rallies going, that was key. After that it was about being aggressive, maintaining my attacks and keeping positive in the decider.”

Miyazaki, tipped for big things back home in Japan, added she hopes to one day eclipse the achievements of her much-decorated senior Akane Yamaguchi, also the reigning champion here.

“It’s normal to aim for the title but I want to focus on doing well in each match for the time being. I hope not only to follow in Akane’s footsteps, but to actually do better.”

Prior to this, Miyazaki’s best finish at a World Tour event was winning the Super 300 Orleans Masters in March. She had never progressed beyond the Round of 16 at a 500.

Miyazaki faces Indonesian Putri Kusuma Wardani next for a spot in the final. It will be the duo’s first meeting.