KUALA LUMPUR – National men’s singles Ng Tze Yong is on the right track to produce a medal for Malaysia at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games to be held from July 28 to August 8.
Following his recent performance at the Malaysia Masters last week and the Malaysia Open the week before, national singles coaching director Wong Choong Hann praised Tze Yong for his consistent progress from one tournament to the next.
“When he lost to China’s Lu Guang Zu in the opening round of the Malaysia Open, we could see that he was struggling with his rhythm when facing the world number 25.
“However, he did better at the Malaysia Masters the following week because he was calmer and in better physical condition,” Choong Hann said when met at the Academy Badminton Malaysia.
The former world number one added that Tze Yong has also increased his awareness on the court but is still left with much room for improvement, especially in his muscle strength for the long term.
Tze Yong, ranked 47, is currently participating in the Super 500 Singapore Open as part of an effort to prepare him for the Games.
“Preferably, we do not send Commonwealth-bound players to the Singapore Open, but Tze Yong did not participate in the Indonesia Masters and Open (in June).
“He also did not get to play in many tournaments due to his second-tier ranking.
“So, we give him this opportunity to collect as many points as possible,” Choong Hann added.
Tze Yong was slated to replace national ace shuttler Lee Zii Jia at the upcoming Commonwealth Games after the world number five decided to skip the Games to focus on the World Championships in Tokyo on August 22 to 28.
As long as Tze Yong stays consistent, Choong Hann also hoped that the Johor-born player could break through the top 30 rankings – by the end of the year – to play and win against some of the high-ranked players.
“At the current rate of his progress, he should be more ready to fight the top 16 players (in higher-tier tournaments) starting next year.
“We can see that he refused to give up or lose against his opponent. When he lost, he’s not happy and wants to fight back.” – The Vibes, July 13, 2022
