Following a series of impressive results recently, Ng Tze Yong looks forward to making his debut in several World Tour badminton events in Europe next month.
Having reached a career-best world No 39 ranking on Tuesday, the shuttler is likely to make the cut for the Denmark Open from Oct 18-23, French Open (Oct 25-30) and Hylo Open in Germany (Nov 1-6).
But before looking to Europe, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games men's singles silver medallist will have his credentials put to the test in the Malaysia Games from Sept 20-24.
Representing Johor, Tze Yong is certain to be seeded first in the men's singles.
But he can expect stiff competition from national teammates Leong Jun Hao and Lim Chong King of Kuala Lumpur, Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin and Shaqeem Eiman Shahyar of Selangor and Jacky Kok of Kedah.
"I look forward to representing Johor. The organisers have made a one-off exception on the age eligibility (from Under-21 to Under-23) for the Games due to Covid-19. So, I want to make good use of this opportunity," he said.
Tze Yong is keeping his fingers crossed that he would gain entry into the Denmark and French Opens which are Super 750-rated championships.
His best result in a Super 750 event to date was reaching the quarter-finals of the Singapore Open in July, where he defeated two world top-15 opponents — Lee Cheuk Yiu and Angus Ng of Hong Kong.
Later he shone at the Commonwealth Games by beating world No 12 K. Srikanth to help Malaysia pip India to the mixed team gold.
In the individual event, he stunned last year's world champion, Loh Kean Yew of Singapore in the quarter-finals and repeated his win over Srikanth in the semis.
But his gallant run was ended by India's Lakhsya Sen in the final.
"It will be a bonus if I could get into Denmark Open and French Open.
"Otherwise, I'll just focus on the Hylo Open, which I should have no problem getting in as it's a Super 300 event.
"My target for these events is simple, just keep improving my game," said Tze Yong.