Source: REUTERS / Arko Datta
[Saba Sports News] According to the list of participants released by the Badminton World Federation for the All England Open, Malaysia’s men’s singles representatives are Lee Zii Jia and Leong Jun Hao; Hoh Justin is only listed as the 13th reserve, with slim chances of competing; and Ng Tze Yong has not registered. In addition to the All England Open, Yong will also miss the German Open (February 25 to March 2) and the Orleans Masters (March 4 to 9). Currently, Yong can only hope to return in April, before the end of the ranking protection period. If he continues to miss competitions, it will affect his world ranking. It is reported that Yong’s ranking protection is based on his world rank of 18, but he has now dropped to 272. If he can return before the end of April, he still has a chance to participate in the top events of the BWF World Tour. Records show that last January, Yong injured his back during the first round of the Malaysia Badminton Open, and then participated in the Asian Badminton Team Championships in February with an injury, which worsened his condition, leading to two surgeries and an ongoing hiatus. In this regard, Malaysia’s national team singles head coach Kenneth Jonassen revealed that they are fully assisting Yong in his return to competition, aiming for him to participate before the end of April. Meanwhile, Jonassen assured fans and media that Yong would only compete when he feels ready.