Latest news with #MalaysiaMasters
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
BAM may send Tze Yong overseas for surgery
KUALA LUMPUR: The BA of Malaysia (BAM) has not ruled out the possibility of Ng Tze Yong undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery abroad. BAM secretary general Datuk Kenny Goh said that all options, including surgery abroad for the shuttler, are being considered. Tze Yong, who came back from a 14-month layoff after two back surgeries in April, ruptured his right ACL during the first round of the Malaysia Masters against Hong Kong's Angus Ng last month. "We are looking at all options and a surgery for Tze Young overseas is one of them," said Kenny. "We haven't confirmed, but we want Tze Yong to undergo an operation as soon as possible." The latest setback has left a big question mark over Tze Yong's career as the dreaded ACL injury has ended the careers of many top athletes. National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen said: "I can't comment much as we are in the process of making it all happen. Once we have the details, we will be able to share more in due course."
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Aaron calls for VAR technology to reduce controversies
KUALA LUMPUR: Aaron Chia has urged the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to implement Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to reduce controversial decisions by match officials. The shuttler felt that several national players — himself included — have fallen victim to questionable calls, particularly on service faults. Last month, during the second round of the Malaysia Masters, Kang Khai Xing-Aaron Tai were at the centre of a contentious umpiring decision during their match against Denmark's Rasmus Kjaer-Frederik Sogaard. While the Malaysian duo were leading 14-12 in the rubber, Kjaer's smash appeared to have gone wide. However, Swiss umpire Peter Meszaros ruled that the shuttle had brushed Aaron Tai's head instead, and awarded the point to the Danes. Had a video referral been in place, it would have shown that the shuttle did not touch Aaron Tai. Aaron Chia said that service judges are prone to misjudgment due to their lower vantage point compared to players on the court. "I think BWF should introduce a VAR system, similar to what football has. For service faults, especially, something needs to be done as the angle from which service judges view can differ," said Aaron Chia today. "Even though the service measuring device is fixed at 1.15 metres, the varying heights of the judges affect how they see the serve." Aaron Chia was also left disheartened at the Singapore Open earlier this month when a critical service was faulted during the final against South Korea's Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae, halting his momentum with partner Soh Wooi Yik. He also called on the BWF to be more considerate when dealing with players requesting medical attention mid-match, noting that not all such requests are made in bad faith. "Some players might use medical timeouts to gain an advantage, but not all. There are genuinely injured players who need treatment, and I hope the BWF takes this into account," he added.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
World-class sparring could be singles' winning shot, says Jonassen
KUALA LUMPUR: The BA of Malaysia (BAM) may open its doors to world-class talent in a bid to fast-track the revival of its struggling singles department. Coaching director Kenneth Jonassen believes that exposing national players to elite-level sparring partners — including the likes of world No. 2 Anders Antonsen — is crucial to bridging the gap with the world's best. "Training alongside players like Antonsen gives our players a real sense of the level they must reach — technically, tactically and mentally," said Jonassen. "Antonsen was here four weeks ago to prepare for the Singapore Open last month, and the experience was invaluable. We want to create more of these opportunities." Among those who gained from the sessions with Antonsen were Ng Tze Yong, Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh, who all have been inconsistent this year. Jonassen, however, has come under scrutiny recently following his shuttlers' early exits at the Malaysia Masters last month. On Friday, BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz acknowledged the recent success of national doubles pairs but stressed that more attention was needed in singles. Despite inconsistent progress since taking over in January, Jonassen remains adamant that long-term planning is the only way forward. "Everything we do here is one long preparation for the future. We cannot train only at the level we are currently at because when the time comes to step up, we may find ourselves unprepared. That slows down the learning process," he said. Jonassen also admitted that women's singles, in particular, has seen rapid evolution, with top players now blending physical ability with tactical acumen. "The best women's singles players can both create and counter points. That's something we need to incorporate into our daily training," said the Dane, who has been tasked with reshaping Malaysia's singles programme. "It's not just about practising for where we are now. It's about preparing to become someone who can challenge the very best. We need to practise what is required at the highest level. "The complexity of winning points is not simply about hitting winners. Sometimes you need to outsmart your opponent, to change tactics mid-match. "As our players rise through the world rankings, they will face opponents with these capabilities. If they've never encountered or trained for it, it becomes very difficult to win." He also said that while the men's singles department has no shortage of raw talent, consistency remains a major issue. "Training harder is important, but we must also train smarter — replicating the pressure, pace, and intensity of real tournaments in daily sessions," he added.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Expert: Tze Yong 'must be brave' in dealing with ACL injury
KUALA LUMPUR: National shuttler Ng Tze Yong must be mentally prepared to push through the pain barrier during the rehabilitation process after he undergoes knee surgery. That is the view of sports psychology expert Ahmad Fadzlee Ahmad Idriss who stressed that the rehabilitation process is key to ensuring Tze Yong comes back strong. Tze Yong tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the recent Malaysia Masters and is expected to go under the surgeon's knife soon. "Rehab is a process that many Malaysian athletes have taken lightly in the past, however, without proper effort during the rehab period, you will never recover to the maximum level both physically and mentally," said Fadzlee today (June 14). "The reason why some avoid it is because it can be a very painful process. I have suffered an ACL injury before, so I know firsthand what it feels like. "It is not easy doing the exercises required when you are still injured but that is what will make you strong. "Tze Yong has to be mentally prepared for this, he has to be brave and must be willing to push through the pain - but within reason of course. "Follow the plan laid out by the doctor and the physio, trust the process. They will never ask you to do something that will cause you to get injured again." Fadzlee added that Tze Yong must also be brave once he is able to return to playing. "The first scar you suffer after such an injury is in your mind, not on your knee," said Fadzlee. "There will definitely be some phobia or fear of reinjuring the knee and this is something that Tze Yong must be aware of. "This is why the rehab process is so important, it will strengthen the injured area and give the athlete the confidence that he can go back to playing as he did previously, or even stronger. "If you have done your rehab properly, there is no reason for the athlete to fear another injury. Tze Yong has to believe in himself, he has to be confident when he comes back." Tze Yong, who has also been battling recurring back injuries over the past year, is expected to be out for at least nine months after undergoing the knee surgery.
New Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Pang Ron pleads to stay with injured partner Su Yin
KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed doubles shuttler Hoo Pang Ron believes he and partner Cheng Su Yin should stick together but says the final decision lies with the national coaches. The world No. 13 have struggled with both form and fitness in recent months, with Su Yin sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained at the Thailand Open last month. The injury forced them to withdraw from three major tournaments — the Malaysia Masters, Singapore Open and Indonesia Open. However, their dip in form began even before Su Yin's setback. Featured Videos Since reaching the final of the China Masters last November — their career-best showing — Pang Ron-Su Yin have suffered five first-round exits in nine tournaments this year. Their best performances this year were quarter-final finishes at the Orleans Masters and Indonesia Masters. "I don't think we should split," said Pang Ron. "But of course, if the coaches or management feel it's necessary to make changes, then who knows." The 27-year-old admitted he's been disappointed with their performances since their breakthrough in China. "Our level dropped after the China Masters. Maybe other pairs have started to analyse and figure out our game." For now, Pang Ron says Su Yin's recovery remains the top priority, with their participation in the Japan Open (July 15-20) still up in the air. "She's coming back slowly. We're not rushing things because it could worsen the injury. We're taking it step by step. Nothing is confirmed yet," he said. More than just tactics, Pang Ron believes a mental reset is vital to bounce back. "The most important thing is our mindset. We've made a final before, but since then, we've had too many early exits. "Maybe it's time to start from scratch." He added that they're actively working with the coaching team to improve. "We're discussing how to get better. We need more variation in our gameplay as just doing the same things isn't enough." Despite the setbacks, Pang Ron views the break as a much-needed chance to regroup. "This could be a blessing in disguise. We hadn't been winning for a while, and mentally we were down. Hopefully, this time off helps us reset and come back stronger."
