Hendrawan backs Tze Yong to learn from Malaysia Open defeat to Naraoka

Ng Tze Yong will learn from his defeat to Kodai Naraoka, said national singles chief Hendrawan after seeing his star shuttler come within a whisker of sending the Japanese rising star out of the Malaysia Open.

The Malaysian was two points away from sealing a quarter-finals berth against Naraoka but came up short and was ultimately tamed in the rubber set.

“Tze Yong looked eager to finish it off in the second game, but this is when Naraoka showed he is a top 10 player. He knew how to change the game in his favour.

“But it’s a good experience for Tze Yong and he will learn from it. He showed good fighting spirit and works hard. His process will be up and down, be patient with him. Some players will peak, and fade quickly. So let Tze Yong take his time to learn,” said Hendrawan.

Their showdown was one of the most gruelling matches on Thursday, stretching on for 92 minutes before Naraoka came away with the 15-21, 21-19, 21-15 win.

That victory did not take its toll on the world number seven, who went on to book a men's singles semi-finals berth after he overcame H.S. Prannoy 21-16, 19-21, 21-10 on Friday.

He next takes on Kunlavut Vitidsarn for a place in the final on Saturday.