KUALA LUMPUR – Nerves got the better of men’s singles shuttler Ng Tze Yong, bringing his campaign at the China Open to an end today.
The world’s 22nd-ranked player was ousted by the 45th-ranked Shesar Hiren Rhustavito of Indonesia in the second round at the Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium in Changzhou, China.
Shesar initially dropped the first set, but then rallied to take the next two to progress to the quarterfinals.
During the third set, the 23-year-old Tze Yong held a 20-16 lead over his opponent with five match points within grasp, only to witness Rhustavito reel off six consecutive points to snatch victory from his grasp.
Tze Yong had a bright start to the tournament just yesterday, capitalising on the fatigue of World Championships bronze medalist H.S. Prannoy, defeating the Indian top shuttler 21-18, 21-13, 21-12 in just over an hour.
His knack for upsetting top-ranked players has been evident, having previously sent Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen packing at the All England second round in March, and former World Champion Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew at the first round of the Japan Open in July.
However, Tze Yong grapples with consistency and managing pressure, which has been a recurring challenge for the Johor Bahru-born shuttler.
“I still struggle to break through when I have the lead in a match.
“Perhaps nerves got the better of me… I was determined to win though,” lamented the dejected Tze Yong during a post-match interview with the Badminton World Federation (BWF). – September 7, 2023