2012 Japan Open WS Winner：Tai Tzu Ying

Meanwhile, competitors in Women’s Singles must have breathed a collective sigh of relief at the realisation that three-time defending champion, Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand, would not be gunning for a fourth straight junior trophy. Though still just 17 years old, she has graduated successfully to the senior ranks and clearly harbours more lofty ambitions now.

In her absence, Tai Tzu Ying looms large as the one to beat – and it should take some doing to oust the top seed. Still riding high from her maiden BWF World Superseries triumph in the Japan Open in September, this 18-year-old must be supremely confident after outclassing senior rivals on various occasions such as China’s superstars, Wang Yihan and Wang Xin ; Saina Nehwal of India; South Korea’s Sung Ji Hyun ; Danish veteran Tine Baun and Eriko Hirose of Japan.

Representing Chinese Taipei, she has displayed a maturity and composure well beyond her age, digging in under pressure to bring out the best in her game. The manner in which Tai rebounded against Sung Ji Hyun in the Japan Open semi-final – down 9-15 in the decisive third game – was a lesson many could learn. She pulled off a second comeback in the final versus Hirose to lift the title.... <FULL ARTICLE>