【Hong Kong Badminton Open】Ng Ka Long would like to put on a good show at home

No one can guarantee to stay at his peak throughout the year, especially in Men’s Singles badminton. Ng Ka Long who is the current world No.14 just behind the legendary player Lin Dan of China admitted that it’s not easy to have a breakthrough as the top 20 players are on the same level. He is finding his way to make his performance more stable and mature. He wishes to achieve some good results at home in the Hong Kong Open which starts on Tuesday (13th November).

Ng did not take any rest after the Asian Games in August. Instead, he played in several tournaments since then. He beat the Asian Games gold medalist Jonatan Christie in China Open. In Denmark, he defeated Chen Long of China but lost to the Thai player. In France, he stopped at top 16 by Shi Yu Qi of China. In Macau Open, he finished at top 8 after two tough 3-games matches. In Fuzhou, he withdrew due to injury. Ng said, ‘I really wanted to get a medal in the Asian Games although top 8 was not bad. I was only one step away. My form was not very good since then. There was no chance for me to recover from injury as I was competing all the time.’

As the Hong Kong Open is the last stage of the super series, Ng wishes to have a good performance at home. He said, ‘When you play at home, everyone’s eyes are on you. I want to put on a good show. It’s a motivation and also pressure for me.’ Ng took the gold in 2016. He wants to reclaim the crown but it will not be easy as there are many rising stars in Men’s singles includes, Japanese world No.1 Kento Momota, Asian Games gold medalist Jonatan Christie, bronze medalist Indonesian Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, Si Yu Qi of China. Ng explains, ‘It’s more and more competitive in Men’s Singles as the players’ level are so close. Even the world No.1 can’t guarantee a win if he’s not in his best form. In Hong Kong Open, it depends on the instant performance on the court ’

In order to stand firm in the world of badminton, Ng is trying to find a way that suits him best and expects to achieve his best level before the game. He said, ‘I have tried to reduce the amount of training before the game and let my body rest and adjust. I also have tried to train intensively before the game, and push myself to the highest level in a short period of time. However, I still couldn’t find the best way.’ In Hong Kong Open, Ng’s first round opponent is Kantaphon Wangcharoen who ranks 16th in the world. If he successfully advances, he has a great chance to play Japan’s world No.11 Kenta Nishimoto. In the Ng’s bottom bracket, there are still other strong players such as Chen Long and Shi Yu Qi of China.

“YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open 2018” will be held from 13th to 18th November at Hong Kong Coliseum. Get tickets to support our hometown hero Ng Ka Long!

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