PETALING JAYA: Ong Ken Yon does not need to look further than teammate and best friend Lee Shun Yang for inspiration in the SEA Games in Cambodia next month.
National men’s singles shuttler Ken Yon is set to make his debut in the biennial Games where he will play in the team event along with Shun Yang.
The 21-year-old is out to make an impression just like Shun Yang in last year’s edition in Vietnam.
Shun Yang, who is also 21, played an integral role in the men’s team’s silver medal win.
He starred in the stunning 3-2 comeback victory over Singapore in the semi-finals by toppling the more experienced Jason Teh in the third match with the team trailing 0-2 in the overall tie.
Shun Yang also came close to creating another upset in the final against Thailand but was unfortunate to lose narrowly in three games to Khosit Phetpradab.
The team went down 0-3 to the Thais to settle for the silver.
Now, Ken Yon, who is currently ranked 104th in the world, is highly motivated to enjoy a similar outing as Shun Yang.
“I’m really excited to play in the SEA Games and thankful for this opportunity,” said Ken Yon after a training session at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara.
“I’m inspired to do well just like Shun Yang in the last edition.
“I’ve known him since I joined the senior squad in the national team about two years ago and we are close friends.
“I’m getting advice from him on playing in the team event.
“It’s important for me not to put too much pressure on myself but just give my very best.”
The other men’s singles players selected for the Games are Leong Jun Hao and Jacky Kok.
