With only three days break to recuperate from a hectic season, national shuttler Ng Tze Yong is back in training as he prepares to start the 2024 season with a bang and confirm his slot to the Paris Olympics.
Men’s singles coach Hendrawan wants to fully utilize this five-week break before the 2024 curtain raiser at the Malaysia Open (Jan 9-14) which marks the start of an important cycle ahead of the Olympics.
“We are focusing on building up Tze Yong’s fitness and strength. This is the best time to work on him with this break. The first event is at the Malaysia Open which we are working towards.
“He has been making steady progress, evident by reaching one final. He just has yet to win any events. The priority next year is to ensure he makes it to the Paris Olympics, besides aiming to win a title,” said Hendrawan.
This year, Ng had competed in 23 events including the multi-sport Asian Games.
His best achievement came at the Arctic Open which saw him reach the final before losing to Lee Zii Jia.
Hendrawan explained the need for the world number 15 to play in that many tournaments.
“The tournament schedule is different from my playing days, and even from when Lee Chong Wei played. Top shuttlers such as Viktor Axelsen can pick and choose his events because he is virtually assured of an Olympic berth.
“But mid-range shuttlers like Tze Yong can’t focus on trying to peak at certain events, as all tournaments are equally important for them to qualify to the Olympics. If he does well at the start of the year, we might reduce his participation after that,” added the Indonesian handler.
There are four events which Hendrawan is building Ng up for.
Right after the Malaysia Open, the India Open, Indonesia and Thailand Masters will come along to complete an intense January schedule.
In February, the shuttler is slated to participate at the Asia Team Championships taking place in Shah Alam.
His coach’s aspirations aside, Ng will look to break into the top 10 next year.
That target is well within reach, especially on the back of Ng's giant killing spree this year which saw him eliminate Axelsen, Chou Tien-chen, Jonatan Christie and Loh Kean Yew in various events.
As of now, Ng is also destined to make it to the Paris Olympics as the top 16 shuttlers.
Ammar Hakim
Tue Dec 05 2023
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