Tai Tzu Ying lives life on her own terms, and plays badminton just like that too. So, be it making the stunning choice of picking the 2017 World University Games (Universiade) over the 2017 BWF World Championships or simply smiling through her tough semi-final against Saina Nehwal at the GBK Sports Complex here yesterday, she enjoys doing things differently and thrives on it.

Yesterday, on at least three to four occasions, during her 21-17, 21-14 win over World No. 10 Nehwal, Tzu Ying, 24, the unquestionable World No. 1, was seen smiling to herself whenever she made an unforced error or played an erratic shot. The mistakes were few and far between though, and she hardly seemed to be bothered by Nehwal, who fought hard but just couldn't match up to her opponent's brilliant court coverage in the end. Tzu Ying however, has immense respect for both, Saina and Sindhu.