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‘I’m very positive’: Jonassen on Tze Yong’s promising BAC return | Scoop
National men’s singles shuttler Ng Tze Yong made a long-awaited return to competitive action. - Scoop file pic, April 9, 2025
Sports

‘I’m very positive’: Jonassen on Tze Yong’s promising BAC return

Ng Tze Yong’s return to competition after a year-long injury layoff ended in defeat but BAM singles coaching director remains upbeat, calling it a crucial first step in his long-term recovery

Main Author Image
Fabian Peter
Updated
9:18 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR — It may not have been a dream comeback, but there were plenty of encouraging signs as national men’s singles shuttler Ng Tze Yong made a long-awaited return to competitive action at the Asian Championships (BAC) in Ningbo, China, today.

Tze Yong, who had been sidelined for over a year with a lower back injury sustained at the 2024 Malaysia Open, was beaten 21-9, 21-12 in the first round by Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn — the 2023 world champion and Paris Olympics silver medallist. Despite the straight-games defeat, the 24-year-old’s performance offered hope for the future.

“I’m happy to see Tze Yong back in competition,” said Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen when contacted by Scoop.

“We knew it would be a tall order, facing Kunlavut in his first match back. But there were many positives to take from today — crucial for moving forward.”

Jonassen emphasised the need for patience, stating: “We’ll take things step by step and won’t rush for short-term gains. The long-term mindset is key to achieving the best possible outcome.”
“This was just the first step back into competition,” he added.

While Jonassen declined to comment on Tze Yong’s potential inclusion in Malaysia’s Sudirman Cup squad later this month, he summed up his outlook on Tze Yong’s comeback by saying, “I’m very positive.”

Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen during a training session. – Scoop file pic, April 9, 2025

Meanwhile, qualifier and debutant Justin Hoh continued his impressive run by coming from a game down to stun South Korea’s Jeon Hyeok Jin 14-21, 22-20, 21-16. The 21-year-old will next face Indonesia’s second seed, Jonatan Christie.

“Justin fought hard and adapted well in the second game, which gave him the edge,” said Jonassen. “He showed great character to stay positive and keep believing when he was down. To play three games is a physical and mental battle — as all tough matches are.

“Facing Jonatan tomorrow will be a true test. He’ll need to be at his very best, but it’s another great learning opportunity to go up against a world-class player.”

It was, however, the end of the road for Leong Jun Hao, who went down 21-11, 21-19 to Chinese Taipei’s rising star Lin Chun-yi.

“Jun Hao was outpaced and overpowered. His opponent controlled the front court from the start of most rallies and combined that with a strong attacking game,” explained Jonassen.

“He almost pulled off another comeback, but didn’t have the margins on his side. We’ll take the feedback and work towards a strong return.”

In the women’s singles first round, national shuttler Wong Ling Ching was edged out 21-17, 16-21, 21-17 by Indonesia’s Komang Ayu Cahya Dewi.

There was better news for Malaysia through independent Goh Jin Wei, who saw off Chinese Taipei’s Sung Shuo Yan 21-16, 21-13. The two-time former world junior champion faces Thailand’s seventh seed Supanida Katethong in the next round. – April 9, 2025

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