NATIONAL shuttler Ng Tze Yong, a last-minute inclusion into the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games squad, clinched a silver medal after losing to India’s no. 1 player Lakshya Sen in a thrilling final.

Ng, in his debut Games, was defeated 21-19, 9-21, 16-21, but can now look forward to the World Championships from August 21-28 in Tokyo, Japan with much confidence.

Ng had replaced the country’s top player Lee Zii Jia, who withdrew from the Games.

“I did not expect to win (silver medal). Honestly I am happy with this Commonwealth Games because I feel I am in top form here.

“I am not sure whether I can do so (maintain performance) in the next tournament but I do hope to carry this good run into my first World Championships as I believe this silver medal will definitely motivate me to compete in Japan,” he told reporters after the medal ceremony in Birmingham today.

The world no. 42 also hopes to improve his stamina, and gain more experience by playing against top-ranked shuttlers.

In the meantime, the 22-year-old is setting his sights to break into the top 30 by the end of this year.

The Johor native said helping Malaysia to wrest the gold medal from India after winning 3-1 last Tuesday, was indeed a memorable achievement.

Ng thanked Malaysians who rallied behind him in his ups and downs, as well as the coaches and his family members for their unrelenting support.

Ng previously stunned reigning world champion, Loh Kean Yew of Singapore 15-21, 21-14, 21-11 in the quarter-finals last Saturday, and India’s Srikanth Kidambi, ranked 13th best, 13-21, 21-19, 21-10 in the semi-finals yesterday. – Bernama, August 8, 2022.