WITH retirement looming, tomorrow's Malaysia Open women's singles final will be Tai Tzu Ying's last appearance in the tournament.
What could be a more fitting conclusion for the 29-year-old than clinching her fifth title?
This achievement would place her on par with Chinese legend Zhang Ning as the most successful women's singles shuttler in the Open era at the Malaysia Open.
However, standing between the world No. 4 and a perfect farewell is world No. 1 An Se Young.
Nonetheless, Tzu Ying will enter the finale feeling confident after triumphing 17-21, 21-15, 21-18 over reigning Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei in the semi-finals.
This victory ended a poor run of four successive defeats to world No. 2 Yu Fei.
It's worth noting that Yu Fei broke Tzu Ying's heart in the final of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
"I didn't have much feeling; it has been a while since I played against her at last year's French Open (final)," said Tzu Ying after her win.
"Her performance has always been stable, and her attacks are as sharp as ever, so I tried to focus on improving my defence.
"It was an equally contested battle. However, I made fewer mistakes and won."
When asked if she has a strong desire to win and add a fifth title to her previous successes in 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2019, Tzu Ying, who was also a finalist in 2016, said: "I do not want to think about it.
"I just want to enjoy my last appearance in the tournament and showcase my best badminton to the fans."
Tzu Ying had announced last April that she would be hanging up her racket at the end of this season.
Meanwhile, Se Young defeated China's Zhang Yi Man 21-17, 21-11 to reach her second consecutive final in the tournament.
Last year, Se Young was narrowly defeated by Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in the final.
Se Young will be seeking revenge after losing to Tzu Ying in the semi-finals of the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou last month.
Tzu Ying eventually won the World Tour season finale, re-establishing herself as a force after a rough opening 2023.
"Tzu Ying is a great player, and for her to reach the final is something expected. I'm looking forward to playing her again," said Se Young.