As Pattarasuda Chaiwan she won the Badminton Asia Under-17 title and finished runners-up in the Asian Junior (Under-19) last year but it is left to be seen if can go one better as the top seed with a new name.
A visit to a temple in Bangkok with her parents ended with her name being changed to Phittayaporn when a monk told them that it would bring her luck and prosperity.
However, 18-year-old Phittayaporn did not get things going her way when she lost her women's singles match in the mixed team quarter-finals in Thailand's 3-1 defeat to Indonesia.
On Thursday, Phittayaporn was all smiles in the Badminton Asia Junior Championships in Bintaro, Jakarta, as the top seed packed off Malaysia's hope Eoon Qi Xuan in the second round- leaving the Malaysian, a bronze medallist last year, in tears after her 21-19, 21-19 win in 37 minutes.
"I was quite disappointed when I could not help my country reach the semi-finals in the mixed team event after I lost my match. However, have regained my confidence with this win," said Chaiwan after her win.
"My name was changed after visiting a temple for prayers with my family. Hopefully, this could be signs of better things to come for me in my badminton career.
"Last year I could only manage a silver medal but as the top seed, I hope to go all the way. There are some very good players this year and the field is tough. But I want to win the title this year."
Last year, Chaiwan was beaten by China's Han Yue in the final.
Meanwhile, could only shed tears after her defeat and blamed herself for the early exit.
"I blame myself. I was too eager to win the match and this cost me dearly. I had come here to be on the podium. It is disappointing to go out early…but I will learn from my mistakes," said Qi Xuan, who has lost all her four meetings with Chaiwan.
Malaysia's head coach Ng Kwan Yoke was disappointed with the manner in which Qi Xuan lost.
"Both, Qi Xuan and Chaiwan, did not play. It was below par match. Eoon would have won if she had kept her cool. This is not her style of play…it is disappointing," said Yoke Meng.
With Go Pei Kee, Myisha Mohd Khairul and K. Letshanna losing their second-round matches, Malaysia's campaign in the women's singles has come to an end.
