Running out of steam: Ng Tze Yong lost 18-21, 11-21 to China’s Lu Guangzu in the first round of the Denmark Open. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Ng Tze Yong had a great week at the Arctic Open where he reached his first men’s singles final in a super 500 event on Sunday but it was back to reality for the shuttler at the Denmark Open in Odense yesterday.
Tze Yong acknowledged that consistent performances in back-to-back tournaments will be crucial for his transition into a top player and believes his first-round defeat to Lu Guangzu of China in Odense is a lesson towards that goal.
World No. 12 Guangzu was the same player Tze Yong, the world No. 17, had beaten in the last eight of the Arctic Open but the Malaysian was on the receiving end at the first hurdle of the Denmark Open where he lost 18-21, 11-21 in 43 minutes.
“My focus was not 100% today and it was a good lesson. It (Arctic Open) was my first final and I need to learn how to handle the next tournament,” said Tze Yong.
“I don’t think I performed very well today and my body has not recovered yet.
“When I return to Malaysia, I will surely work on my stamina as I need to improve on this aspect to be consistent when playing in a series of tournaments.”
Tze Yong was obviously looking for a good run in Odense after finishing runner-up to compatriot Lee Zii Jia in Finland but will now have to channel his energy into making an impact at the French Open in Paris from Oct 24-29.
“I lost early but it will give me time to train more before the French Open next week,” added Tze Yong.
The 22-year-old Malaysian will begin his French Open campaign against Priyanshu Rajawat of India.
Meanwhile, Goh Jin Wei was shown the exit in the women’s singles when she lost 21-11, 21-10 to He Bingjiao of China in the first round.
FIRST ROUND RESULTS
(Malaysians unless stated)Men’s singles: Lu Guangzu (Chn) bt Ng Tze Yong 21-18, 21-11.
Men’s doubles: Akira Koga-Taichi Saito (Jpn) bt Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun 21-18, 21-16.
Women’s singles: He Bingjiao (Chn) bt Goh Jin Wei 21-11, 21-10.
Women’s doubles: Vivien Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien bt Linda Efler-Isabel Lohau (Ger) 21-18, 19-21, 21-17.
Mixed doubles: Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei bt Mathias Thyrri-Amalie Magelund (Den) 21-15, 23-21.
