PETALING JAYA — Despite Ng Tze Yong’s third straight first-round exit, national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen remains positive about the shuttler’s progress following his return from a serious back injury.
The 25-year-old lost 13-21, 17-21 to China’s world No. 15 Weng Hongyang in the Thailand Open opener, following earlier defeats at the Asian Championships and Taiwan Open.
Jonassen sees encouraging signs, particularly in Tze Yong’s improved second game against Hongyang, and believes he's gradually regaining form after over a year out. “Small steps,” he said, “but moving in the right direction.”
