KUALA LUMPUR: Despite being unwell for the last two weeks, national singles shuttler Ng Tze Yong is still expected to play in the All England 2023 in Birmingham from March 14 to 19.
National singles coach Hendrawan said the Commonwealth Games 2022 silver medallist had been suffering from a persistent cough, which had forced him to skip training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara here.
“I have given him a few days off to rest,” he told reporters before leaving the training venue today.
The world number 28 last played in the Thailand Masters 2023 in Bangkok held from Jan 31 to Feb 5, where he lost 14-21, 20-22 to Hong Kong’s Angus Ng Ka Long in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, up and coming mixed doubles player Toh Ee Wei is determined to gain a place in the team for Sudirman Cup 2023 in Suzhou, China, from May 14 to 21 with her partner Chen Tang Jie.
Despite facing stiff competition from other pairs including professionals Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie, Ee Wei said she would make the best of the opportunity if selected for the tournament in China.
On her debut at last week’s Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships (BAMTC) 2023 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, the 22-year-old said it was a valuable experience although the national team lost 2-3 to eventual champions China in the quarter-finals.
“We tried our best against China but had no luck,” said Ee Wei.
In Dubai, Tang Jie-Ee Wei played in two Group B matches, including in Malaysia’s 5-0 win over Kazakhstan when they beat Makhsut Tadzhibullaev-Aisha Zhumabek 21-9, 21-10.
However, they lost to Ishaan Bhatnagar-Tanisha Crasto 19-21, 21-19, 16-21 in their final Group B match when India beat Malaysia 4-1.
She hopes to strengthen herself and give a better performance in several tournaments in Europe next month, including the German Open and All England. – BERNAMA
