KUCHING: Shuttler Ng Tze Chian hopes it is not too late to follow in his brother Ng Tze Yong’s footsteps and join the national team.
While Tze Yong is already an established player in the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as the country’s No. 2 in the men’s singles behind world No. 6 Lee Zii Jia, the 21-year-old younger brother is yet to find his footing in competitive badminton.
Tze Chian, who has been playing badminton since the age of five thanks to the encouragement from his brother, will get the opportunity to prove his capabilities when he competes in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) for the first time.
“I started playing badminton when I was five. My brother taught me how to play,” said Tze Chian. “He motivates me a lot and told me to work hard. I feel very happy and excited when he plays badminton with me and I can learn all the skills from him.
“I feel I’m a bit too old to be selected in the national team but I hope I get my chance to join.”
Besides playing badminton, Tze Chian is also currently pursuing a degree in Marketing in UCSI.
Two years ago, Tze Yong justified his top seed status by capturing gold for Johor in the Sukma in Kuala Lumpur.
He was shaping up well and was on the brink of qualifying for his first Olympic Games before a back injury hampered his progress.
This time, Tze Chian, who will be competing in the men’s doubles with Goh Shao Tang, hopes to follow in his brother’s footsteps by winning a medal.
“I was not selected for the last Sukma but got the nod this time and I’m very happy to get to play,” said Tze Chian.
“This is not just my first Sukma, it’s also my last, so I hope to win a medal with Shao Tang.”
Tze Chian-Shao Tang face a tough challenge as they will be up against top seeds Beh Chun Meng-Goh Boon Zhe from Penang and Federal Territories’ Mohd Fazriq Razif-Bryan Goonting, who are both BAM pairs.
Besides Tze Chian-Shao Tang, Johor will also be banking on Amirul Imran Izuan-Wee Yee Tern in the men’s doubles.
In the singles, Mohd Ariffin Nazri and Yee Tern’s brother Wee Yee Hern will be out to defend the gold won by Tze Yong.
