KUALA LUMPUR – National men’s singles shuttler Ng Tze Yong showcased his determination and sportsmanship during an intense 84-minute match against Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie in the Hong Kong Open semi-finals today.
Despite a hard-fought battle, the 23-year-old Malaysian ultimately fell short, losing 19-21, 23-21, 13-21.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for the fans and both players, especially with Tze Yong facing a challenging start as he trailed by six points at 5-11 in the first game, in which he eventually surprised the audience to equalise 11-all.
“I think just now I did my best, and I still have a lot to improve,” said the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medalist.
“I feel, in the decider, my speed was not enough. That was probably why I lost.
“I could not think too much about trailing (behind Jonatan) and just focused on each point.”
Looking ahead, the world number 20 Tze Yong expressed confidence in his training regimen as he prepares for the Asian Games in Hangzhou from September 23 to October 8.
“I feel my training is on the right track… so yeah.
“I’m quite satisfied (with my progress on the court), but next week is a new week again.”
Today’s match was Tze Yong’s best achievement this season.
In previous tournaments this year, he achieved six quarter-finals – in the Thailand Masters, Thailand Open, All England, Swiss Open, Korea Open and Australian Open.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s only mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai also bowed out in the semi-finals after losing to Hong Kong’s Tan Chung-man and Tse Ying-suet, 12-21, 12-21, in 34 minutes.
The only Malaysians left to pursue a Hong Kong Open title are Pearly Tan and M Thinaah, who will face Indonesia’s Apriyani Rahayu-Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti in the women’s doubles final tomorrow. – September 16, 2023