KUALA LUMPUR: After clearing three of his less intimidating hurdles, Ng Tze Yong's title credentials at the Australian Open will be tested on Saturday when he takes on China's Lu Guang Zu in the semi-finals.
The 22-year-old continued to ride on the luck of his draw when he effortlessly edged local wildcard Nathan Tang 21-9, 21-7 today to reach the last four for the second time in a World Tour-level event in Sydney.
Tze Yong defeated Aussie Jacob Schueler and South Korea's Heo Kwang Hee in the opening two rounds.
The World No 33 knows it will be a different ball game against world No 19 Guang Zu, the second highest-ranked men's singles shuttler of the Chinese national squad.
After sending top seed Lee Zii Jia packing on Thursday, Guang Zu continued his sizzling form when he outclassed Indonesia Ikhsan Leonardo Rumbay 21-12, 21-9.
"It's going to be a tough match, but we all know what Tze Yong is capable of when he plays at his best level," said national coach Hendrawan.
"Having made it this far, Tze Yong will give his all to try to reach his first World Tour final."
Independent pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi made it a double joy for Malaysia by beating Kang Min Hyuk-Seo Seung Jae of South Korea 23-21, 21-12 in the men's doubles quarter-finals.
The world No 8 will battle China's He Ji Ting-Zhou Hao Dong, who defeated Japan Open champions Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang 21-19, 16-21, 21-17, for a place in Sunday's final.
In the women's singles, Goh Jin Wei suffered her fifth successive defeat to Thailand's world No 9 Pornpawee Chochuwong, losing 21-11, 21-13.