The Thai, who was presented a Bt1.12-million bonus by his sponsor Siam Cement Group yesterday for his championship victory in the Singapore Open - a Super Series event - two weeks ago, is two spots away from his next goal.

His scorching form, which overshadowed formidable long-time rivals such as Chinese Chen Yu, Indonesian Ronald Susilo and Chinese world No 1 Lin Dan, created a media frenzy, sparking a hype in the local sports circles for a fortnight.

"I'm at my peak. My confidence level is high and my physical condition is great,'' said the world No 7. "I just hope that I will carry on with the same confidence and fitness so that I can reach the top five, which is my next target."

After making three first-round exits and losing once in the second round at the start of the season, the 25-year-old turned things around in his fifth tournament. He said the victory in Singapore was mainly because of a change in game plan suggested by long-time coach Udom Luengpetcharaporn.

"I was told to take more risks. In the past I was always on the defensive and gave my opponents like Lin high shots, which made it easier for him to smash. In Singapore, I tried to dictate play and after that Lin lost his cool. Beating him was a big boost for me,'' said Boonsak, whose winning streak was cut short a week later by old rival Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia in round two of the Indonesian Open.

"I didn't feel bad to lose in the second round because everyone is tough in a big event like that. Taufik is a tough player and he knows my game,'' said the 2004 Olympics semi-finalist, whose next assignment is the Sudirman Cup Mixed Team Championship in Glasgow next month.

Yet, for the "Super Man", as the media dubbed him, winning anywhere won't feel like doing it at home. Since lifting the 2004 Thailand Open title, he has not reached anywhere near the final at home. But this year, he will get three chances - the Thailand Open in July, the World University Games in August, and the SEA Games in December.

"I want to regain the Thailand Open crown for the fans and I have never won the SEA Games before. Winning these events will be part of my plan this year,'' said Boonsak who, however, is uncertain about his participation in the Universiade, which coincides with the World Championships in Kuala Lumpur.

Boonsak acknowledged that his mother Boonchuen is the main reason behind his achievement.

"I have to thank my mum for her continuous support. She has always been there for me since my father passed away,'' said the badminton champ, who plans to let his mother handle the million-baht bonus.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation