We can do it: Ng Tze Yong has been sparring with Datuk Lee Chong Wei in preparation for the Malaysian Open next week. - S.S.Kanesan/The Star)
PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Ng Tze Yong is grateful to Datuk Lee Chong Wei for his assistance in his preparation for the Malaysian Open starting on Tuesday at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
Tze Yong enjoyed a series of sparring sessions with the 12-time Malaysian Open champion Chong Wei at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara for a few days in the lead up to the home tourney.
"I trained with Datuk Lee for a few days," said Tze Yong.
"I learned a lot from him in terms of skills and he gave me some good advice."
And not only that, the 23-year-old has also been working with the latter's former physical trainer Mohd Roesdi Abdul Ghani for the past two months in his bid to improve his fitness and strength.
Roesdi was instrumental in helping Chong Wei to build and maintain his fitness for a long period of time.
Fitness has always been an issue for Tze Yong, but hopefully, with the recent help from the former great, he will able to last the pace at the home tournament.
World No. 15 Tze Yong is set to open his campaign against Japan's world No. 23 Koki Watanabe.
Chong Wei was the last Malaysian champion when he won the singles title in 2018.
