MEN’S singles shuttler Ong Zhen Yi has always admired Chinese great Lin Dan’s fighting spirit.
Zhen Yi is keen to show the same battling qualities in his bid to make a breakthrough in the national team.
The 20-year-old, who joined the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) seven years ago, has largely been in the shadows and is still waiting to climb up the ranks.
Injuries and lack of self-confidence has not helped Zhen Yi but he believes that he is getting better and time is still on his side.
“I like to see Lin Dan’s fighting spirit during his matches. I grew up watching him play and I hope to become like him one day,” said Zhen Yi.
“I was 13 when I joined the national team (Bukit Jalil Sports School) and so far it has been a difficult journey for me. I had to overcome many challenges like injuries and lack of confidence especially in tournaments.”
Zhen Yi’s best performance came in the 2022 Benin International where he won the title.
The youngster is currently ranked No. 131 in the world and hopes a good showing in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) where many of his national teammates are also competing will give him more confidence to consistently achieve success in international tournaments.
Yesterday, the Penangite made it to the semi-finals after beating Sarawak’s Goh Shun Huat 21-17, 21-14 in Sibu.
“This is my second Sukma and I hope to win a medal this time after losing in the last 16 in the previous edition in Kuala Lumpur,” said Zhen Yi.
“My game has improved a lot now and my confidence is getting better,” added Zhen Yi.
Federal Territories’ Justin Hoh, who is the top seed, is also through to the last four after sweeping aside Penang’s Sng Wei Ming 21-13, 21-14.
Perak’s Eogene Ewe though suffered a shock 21-18, 18-21, 18-21 defeat at the hands of Justin’s teammate Hooi Shao Herng.
