Jian Guo to focus on Malaysia GP Gold

Ong Jian Guo: 'I am aiming to reach at least the semi-final stage of the Malaysia GP.'

KUALA LUMPUR: The party may be in England but national mixed doubles player Ong Jian Guo is determined not to sulk despite not being invited.

He has chosen to get on with his training and not wallow in disappointment at being left out of Malaysia’s team to the All-England which starts on Tuesday.

Instead, Jian Guo is putting in the hours to train for the Malaysia Grand Prix Gold, to be held from March 25-30.

Jian Guo has been the regular partner of Lim Yin Loo in the mixed doubles event. However, for the Malaysia Grand Prix Gold tournament in Johor Baru, he will be paired with Lee Meng Yean.

“I am aiming to reach at least the semi-final stage of the Malaysia GP. I am not too sure about my participation in other tournaments for the year as the coaches are still testing out the different partnerships,” said Jian Guo.

The other national mixed doubles pair of Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying will not be playing for now as Liu Ying is still nursing a knee injury and will be out for some time. For the duration, Peng Soon will partner Lai Pei Jing.

Jian Guo believes his strengths are in defence and counter-attack.

“However, I feel that I can work harder to improve my smashes and attacking play. In order to improve, I have been doing more physical training in the gym. I am already 25 years old ... I need to constantly maintain my fitness to be at an optimum level,” he added.

The shuttler, who trains under coach Jeremy Gan, will be looking to improve his performance as he failed to impress last year.

“My best performance last year was at the Indonesia Open Grand Prix Gold where I made it to the quarter-finals. I am determined to improve on that and I will give it my best shot,” he said.