[1] At the beginning of the century Dai was ranked among the world's leading women's singles players, most of whom were her fellow countrywomen.

Her titles included the Chinese Taipei (1999), Malaysia (1999), Thailand (1999, 2003), and Swiss (2000) Opens.

She was a highly effective member of consecutive world champion Chinese Uber Cup (women's international) teams in 1998, 2000, 2002.

At the 1999 World Championships in Copenhagen she reached the final only to lose the closest of matches to Denmark's Camilla Martin.

At the 2000 Olympics in Sydney she was beaten by Martin, again, in the semifinals, and then lost a close bronze medal match to fellow countrywoman Ye Zhaoying.