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.”

Pitchamon OPATNIPUTH vs Pornpawee CHOCHUWONG  19:21, 21:13, 21:15

Text from BWF