KUALA LUMPUR: Two weeks after the Commonwealth Games high, shuttler Ng Tze Yong was brought back down to Earth when he suffered a second round exit at the World Championships in Tokyo today.
World No 42 Tze Yong lost 21-9, 10-21, 21-19 to Thailand's Sitthikorn Thammasin in a 70-minute duel.
In the first round yesterday, Tze Yong scored an impressive 21-16, 21-10 win over Malaysia Masters champion Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo of Indonesia.
Tze Yong, who won a Commonwealth gold and silver in Birmingham, showed great fighting spirit against his world No 33 Thai opponent as he recovered from 14-5 down in the rubber to draw level at 19-19.
But the Malaysian youngster failed to prevent Sitthikorn from pressing home for victory.
Tze Yong, who was making his World Championships debut, said: "I gave my best. Sitthikorn is an experienced player, he controlled (the crucial situation) better.
"It's quite windy (in the arena) today. I could have done better with controlling the draught, which was very important.
"I also need to improve my stamina and power.
"I have no regrets and I look forward to my next tournament," said Tze Yong.