KUALA LUMPUR – Ng Tze Yong’s defeat to Japan’s Kodai Naraoka in the Malaysia Open second round yesterday is only a test for the 22-year-old shuttler, said national men’s singles coach Hendrawan.
He shared that Tze Yong’s debut in a Super 1000 event provided him a good platform to experience a more competitive environment.
“This was a test for him. He is used to swimming in the pool and now he is out in the sea,” he said.
“Let him progress gradually. We cannot expect Tze Yong to suddenly win every tournament.
“Some players rise up really fast but drop (just as) fast too. For Tze Yong, let him progress at his own speed.”
Naraoka is a fast-rising star in the badminton industry as he managed to climb to his career-high world number 7 from number 42 within only six months.
He also took Tze Yong’s former teammate and world number 2 Lee Zii Jia out of the opening round on Wednesday.
Tze Yong, who jumped from number 48 in June to a career-high 25, made headlines when he won silver in the men’s singles discipline at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Hendrawan added that the Johorean will have more opportunities to learn and do better.
“Tze Yong has always managed to come back stronger from each match.
“Talent is not given but is earned. I believe that he will work hard to get better,” he said.
Tze Yong will compete at the Super 750 India Open next and play China’s Li She Feng in the first round. – The Vibes, January 13, 2023
