KUALA LUMPUR — National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen has a clear and simple message for Ng Tze Yong ahead of this week’s Asian Championships (BAC): “Enjoy your comeback.”
After being sidelined for more than a year with a serious lower back injury, the 24-year-old will make his long-awaited return to competitive action at the continental meet in Ningbo, China.
While there is understandable interest in how the Johor-born shuttler will fare after such a long layoff, Jonassen is urging him to simply savour the moment.
“The expectation for Tze Yong this time is very simple — enjoy being back on court,” said the Danish coach, speaking ahead of Tze Yong’s opening-round clash against former world champion and Paris Olympic silver medallist Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand.
Jonassen also wants Tze Yong to take pride in the effort he has made over the past two months to get himself fit and ready for competition again.
“I want him to be proud of the progress he’s made. From there, we’ll take it one match at a time. Tze Yong must accept the new challenges ahead, and we’ll learn more as we go,” he added.
Jonassen also confirmed Scoop’s earlier report that Tze Yong remains in contention for a place in the Sudirman Cup squad later this month.
“Yes, that’s correct — the final squad will only be named after the BAC. Every match here this week will give us, the coaches, a clearer picture of what we need to work on in training before the Sudirman Cup,” said Jonassen.
“We’ll consider all aspects in putting together the strongest team possible.”
The deadline to finalise the Sudirman Cup squads is April 14, with the competition scheduled to take place from April 27 to May 4 in Xiamen, China.
Alongside Tze Yong, former Asian Junior champion Leong Jun Hao is the other Malaysian men’s singles representative in the BAC main draw. He also faces a tough first-round encounter, against Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun-yi.
“Another world-class opponent in the opening round — Jun Hao must play at his very best to stand a chance. If he can do that, we’ll see how competitive he can be. Consistency and determination in protecting the points will be crucial,” said Jonassen.
Meanwhile, debutant Justin How will begin his campaign in the qualifying rounds tomorrow. — April 7, 2025