Chen Yu Fei is her fifth semifinal from five tournaments this season; yet, the spring in her step is missing. The energy appears somewhat low-key.

Despite having a title and three semifinals from four previous tournaments, the returns appear modest by her high standards. Today, having made the last-four at the TOYOTA Thailand Open 2026, she accepted that a key ingredient was missing.

“I think my performance today was better than yesterday, I was more patient on court,” she said, before adding: “I’m not at my best. I want to play more matches, more tournaments to recover my physical and mental condition. I feel I’m very slow, my footwork is slow, I just need to play more. I want to get better.”

The early season went well for the former No.1 as she won the Indonesia Masters (Super 500) and made the semifinals in Malaysia, India and the All England. The last fortnight though had its own extreme challenges. Expected to help China defend the Uber Cup, Chen faltered in the final to an inspired Kim Ga Eun in the second singles, and the result turned the momentum Korea’s way as they stopped China on the way to a third Uber Cup triumph.

It’s a performance that troubles her.

“My mentality was not good. I was under a lot of pressure. Everyone thinks I have to win every match. I thought I would win every match and I put a lot of pressure on myself. Kim Ga Eun also played well; she played her best as she wasn’t under pressure, and I made many mistakes.”

It wasn’t long ago that she was the world’s best player. Now her younger rivals like An Se Young and Wang Zhi Yi have shot ahead, displaying extreme physicality and consistency through the season.

“I just have to stay confident,” says Chen. “I want to win more titles, but it’s not assured, so I have to try my best. When I play with An Se Young or Wang Zhi Yi I need to use my mind, my strategies. I still try to learn new things.”

 ‘Pink’ in Semifinals

A new training regimen has seen Pitchamon Opatniputh enjoy excellent results on the HSBC BWF World Tour this year, and the trend continued as she made her second Super 500 semifinal.

The world No.27 Thai, who earlier this week beat higher-ranked compatriot Supanida Katethong, today got the better of world No.8 Pornpawee Chochuwong in three hard-fought games.

Opatniputh, who was runner-up at the Indonesia Masters (Super 500) and the Orleans Masters (Super 300), credited her improvement to greater emphasis on physical improvement and technical skills.

“I feel so excited and I’m very proud of myself because this year I worked very hard and changed the way I practice,” said Opatniputh. “I changed my mindset and the way I practice. There’s a lot more emphasis on getting stronger, and technical skills.”

Chochuwong had a word of praise for her younger compatriot: “Pink has improved a lot; she is tall and has long reach and she knows how to play, and today she played well. She plays at a good standard, she has maintained her speed and shot quality, so this is encouraging for her.”

Highlights

» Rin Iwanaga/Kie Nakanishi made their first semifinals of the season beating Isyana Media/Rinjani Nastine 21-12 12-21 21-17.

» Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin, back together after a two-year stint with other partners, comfortably navigated the challenge of home pair Peeratchai Sukphun/Pakkapon Teeraratsakul 21-16 21-15.

» Mathias Christiansen/Alexandra Boje made their fifth semifinals from their last seven tournaments as they beat new combination Gao Jia Xuan/Wei Ya Xin 21-16 18-21 21-19.

→Results (Quarterfinals)
→Order of Play (Semifinals)