YONG Hock Kin was one of the most talented left-handed shuttlers in badminton in his heyday.
The former World No 5 was known for his powerful smashes, stamina and determination.
Now, his son Leroy Yong is making waves but surprisingly not in badminton.
Instead of encouraging his son to play badminton, Hock Kin wants Leroy to be the next Roger Federer.
Leroy is an up-and-coming tennis player who is now making waves in junior international events.
Partnering China’s Duan Hao in the doubles, Leroy clinched his first ITF junior title (Grade 5) in Hong Kong with a 6-2, 6-2 win over South Korea’s Park Dogeon-Shin Woobin on Friday. He also reached the quarter-finals of the singles event at Causeway Bay.
Leroy said badminton was on the cards in his early years before his father told him to focus on tennis.
“It was my dad who decided after watching some Grand Slam matches on TV,” added Leroy.
“When he saw me holding the badminton racquet differently, he was convinced that I would be better suited for tennis.
“Although I was training in tennis, I still played badminton until I was five.
“When I started winning some junior titles and felt good about the sport, I switched to tennis full time. I still enjoy playing badminton for fun, though,” said the youngster.
While many young players would choose Europe to further their game, Leroy has instead made China his home for now.
“I started playing tournaments in China in May last year. I was then sponsored by a private club in Shanghai to train professionally and also play in age-group tournaments,” said Leroy.
“I improved slowly by sparring with China’s top junior players.
“The growing tennis playing population in China has also attracted many overseas coaches to the country.
“With the strong support from the China government, tennis clubs and academies are upgrading their training system.
“Recently, after completing a one-year training stint with the Shanghai-based club, I decided to part ways.
“My dad has been coaching me since I was four and having him back in my coaching team is great.
“We are working out a joint venture plan with another club in China so that they can help arrange professional ATP sparring partners in return for me to represent their club.
“Together with the club, my parents are helping me set up an ITF touring team in Shanghai, so any ITF Under-18 players who want to train and tour with me are welcome to join,” he said.
Leroy’s coaching team includes his father, former national player Ashaari Zainal as well as national No 1 Christian Didier Chin.
The Malacca-born, who is in Singapore to compete in another Grade 5 event, has set his sights on moving up the ranks on the junior tour this year.
“I feel good and so blessed to have won in Hong Kong. This is my first doubles title with my partner who I have known for almost a year.
“He played extremely well in all our matches.
“I want to reach top 500 in the ITF Under-18 rankings by the end of this year and move up to the top 100 when I turn 16 next year.
“I am also lucky to have Christian as my travelling coach.
“He has been very supportive and inspiring both technically and mentally in every single match. With his help, I hope to shine in Singapore,” Leroy added.