Bangkok: There was an unexpected upset at the 2023 Thailand Open on Thursday as Malaysia’s World No. 24 men’s singles player, Ng Tze Yong, secured his place in the quarter-finals by defeating the tournament’s top seed, Chou Tien Chen, who is ranked seventh in the world.
Highlights of Ng Tze Yong vs. Chou Tien Chen in 2023 Thailand Open second round:
In a thrilling match that unfolded in Bangkok, Ng Tze Yong, the gold medalist in the mixed team event at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, dominated his Taiwanese opponent, securing victory in straight sets with a close score of 23-21, 23-21.
Ng’s indomitable fighting spirit was on full display during the first set, where he found himself trailing 17-20. However, he mounted a remarkable comeback, clinching the set with 23-21.
The second set followed a different narrative. Despite holding a comfortable 20-18 lead, Ng allowed Chou to level the score at 20-20. Nevertheless, the 23-year-old Malaysian remained composed under pressure and secured a hard-fought 23-21 victory after a grueling 59-minute match.
This victory marks Ng’s first win over Chou Tien Chen in their three encounters thus far, highlighting his growing prowess on the badminton court.
Meanwhile, another Malaysian player, Leong Jun Hao, also followed in Ng’s footsteps by securing his place in the quarter-finals of the Thailand Open. The World No. 65 Leong Jun Hao emerged victorious in a gripping three-set match lasting 76 minutes against French player Christo Popov.
Leong came close to sealing the first set but narrowly lost with a score of 20-22. However, he showcased his resilience and skill by bouncing back with a convincing 21-13 win in the second set, leading to a decisive third set.
The final set proved to be a fierce battle, but Leong ultimately emerged triumphant with a score of 21-19, securing his spot in the next round. Leong will play World No. 23 Lakshya Sen of India on Friday.
With Ng Tze Yong’s remarkable upset against the top seed and Leong Jun Hao’s impressive performance, Malaysian badminton fans have plenty to celebrate as their players progressed in the 2023 Thailand Open.
