PETALING JAYA: National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen (pic) has left the door open for a future reunion with Ng Tze Yong despite the shuttler's decision to leave the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
Tze Yong will officially part ways with the national body on June 30 by mutual agreement.
The 26-year-old is still recovering from the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to his left knee that he suffered in May last year.
ALSO READ: Tze Yong leaves BAM after injury-plagued years, eyes pro comeback
"I can't afford to dwell too much on Tze Yong leaving us. I always keep an open-door policy, which means that if he gets back to his best, he knows he is always welcome here," Jonassen said here on Friday (June 26).
He remains confident Tze Yong can return to his best if he stays fit.
The Dane, however, acknowledged that the comeback will be far from easy, with men's singles continuing to demand the highest levels of fitness and consistency.
He also believes the new 15x3 scoring system could benefit players returning from injury, although it will not make the sport any less competitive.
"Everything you do as a player has to come from within. If a player can find the energy and the desire to keep pushing to the limit, then there is always the potential to come back.
ALSO READ: Tze Yong joins Joo Ven in training after BAM exit
"Men's singles at the highest level is a cruel event. It's very physical, very demanding, and the effort you need to put in every day has to remain the same.
"The new scoring format might create a few opportunities, but overall men's singles will not change. It will still be very fierce and played at a very high intensity.
"You need to be extremely fit to compete. Players have to find that mindset within themselves and be willing to push the limits of their ability. Otherwise, they won't reach their full potential," he added.
After leaving BAM, Tze Yong will train alongside former national player Soong Joo Ven.
