World Championships: Tze Yong accepts Antonsen played better than he did

Malaysia men’s singles shuttler Ng Tze Yong said Anders Antonsen’s speed and experience proved the difference in their World Championships clash, which the Danish ace won in straight games 24-22, 21-16 on Wednesday.

“I did my best, but he was better than me. His speed and experience proved the difference. I think it’s all about controlling your nerves during the crucial points,” said Ng of his second round defeat.

Despite losing, there was plenty to be admired about the 23-year-old’s campaign at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark.

In the first round, the Johorean did well to knock out last year’s bronze medalist Zhao Jun Peng in straight games.

Against Antonsen, Ng displayed great fighting spirit especially in the first game when he trailed the Dane closely throughout and even held match point.

But the world number 12, playing with his home crowd firmly behind him, was on fire on his day and unsettled Ng with his accurate flat exchanges, besides forcing the Malaysian to use his backhand from the deep court.

Nonetheless, the defeat should serve as a great experience for Ng, especially ahead of two big assignments on the BWF World Tour in China and Hong Kong.

He will face formidable opponents in the form of India’s H.S.Prannoy and Chinese Taipei's Chou Tien-chen in those respective tournaments next month.