KUALA LUMPUR: National shuttler Ng Tze Yong will approach with caution when he faces the out-of-form Chinese opponent, Zhao Jun Peng, in the opening round of the World Championships, which starts in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Monday.
While 27-year-old Jun Peng enters their maiden clash with a more illustrious reputation, it is the 23-year-old Tze Yong who is showing superior form.
Jun Peng's performance has seen an unexpected downturn since his bronze-medal achievement at last year's edition in Tokyo. He failed to move past the first round in all four subsequent World Tour matches.
This year, the China ace has recorded two first-round and six second-round exits so far.
In contrast, world No. 22 Tze Yong reached the quarter-finals in five of his 13 tournaments this year, including a notable performance at the All England, where he ousted world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen.
Nonetheless, the individual silver medallist from the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games is not taking anything for granted.
"Performances of shuttlers vary from one tournament to another. Since it is our first meeting, I can only prepare and give my utmost performance on the day," said Tze Yong, who is making his second appearance following a second-round exit in Tokyo last year.
If Tze Yong clears the opening hurdle, he will likely face Denmark's Anders Antonsen next.
Malaysian fans are hoping for an all-Malaysian showdown in the last 16 between Tze Yong and Zii Jia, ensuring at least one Malaysian representative in the quarter-finals.
Should that match materialise, Tze Yong will be keen to make up for his recent defeat in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.
Zii Jia's first challenges are world No 5 Jonatan Christie, followed by Canada's Brian Yang or Germany's Kai Schaefer.
When asked about the prospect of taking on Zii Jia again, Tze Yong responded: "I'm not looking that far ahead. My immediate goal is to win the opening match."
Tze Yong said the competition in the World Championships is always fierce, filled with top-tier players, making each match-day performance pivotal.
For him, the distinction between the World Championships and other World Tour events is minimal; his aim remains to achieve the best possible outcomes.
With substantial efforts this year to bolster his stamina, focus, technique, and muscle mass, Tze Yong's game has certainly improved.
Besides defeating Viktor Axelsen, he has also triumphed over 2021 world champion Loh Kean Yew from Singapore, Hong Kong's Angus Ng, Taiwan's Chou Tien Chen, and Jonatan in Australia.
Yet, Tze Yong acknowledges the need for more consistent performances, aiming for back-to-back victories in upcoming matches.
"Each victory against top players will surely boost my confidence, but I recognise the importance of steadier gameplay. At the moment, my tendency seems to alternate between wins and defeats," he said.
"While I might be intensely focused one day, it can diminish the next. I am searching for ways to address this inconsistency. My goal is to achieve a consistent string of victories."
