PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Ng Tze Yong still cannot get the breakthrough he craves.
Tze Yong was left devastated after missing out on a golden opportunity to reach the men’s singles quarter-finals of the China Open after losing to Shesar Hiren of Indonesia at the Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium in Changzhou yesterday.
The 23-year-old had looked on course to progress when leading 15-8 and 20-16 in the deciding match but nerves got the better of him as he lost 21-18, 11-21, 20-22.
It was a frustrating end for Tze Yong, who had stunned India’s World Championships bronze medallist H. S. Prannoy in his opening match.
“I still can’t get the breakthrough when leading in a match,” lamented Tze Yong in his post match interview with the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
“I was too nervous when it was 20-16 and wanted to win the match too badly.
“I think with experience, I will be able to handle these situations better.”
Tze Yong’s exit meant that Malaysia’s challenge in the men’s singles is over.
The world No. 22, who has yet to reach the semi-finals of a World Tour event this year, will need to put the defeat behind him quickly as he will play in the Hong Kong Open next week.
Meanwhile, it was sweet revenge for Shesar after a surprise defeat to Tze Yong in the first round of the All-England in March.
The Indonesian had been promoted from the reserves list after Thailand’s recently crowned world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn withdrew from the tournament and used his experience well to pull off an improbable win.
“I could see that Tze Yong was nervous while I stayed focused on each point. Reaching the last eight here is really means a lot to me,” said Shesar.
