The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games was a tournament many were looking forward to. After last night’s battle, it’s not hard to see why. The badminton matches yesterday (2nd August) left Malaysians in fervour when the Malaysian team subsequently pulled a win against India.
It was a hard-earned battle, with each point being fiercely fought for by the team. But credit has to be given to shuttler Ng Tze Yong (黄智勇) for turning the tides to victory. Not only did his match point give the team the final push they needed to nab the win, he pulled off a win against former world number 1, Srikanth Kidambi.
The Malaysian team started strong with men’s doubles team Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik earning their first point with a straight game. Goh Jin Wei was the next to step up to the plate. Although she eventually lost the match, the 22-year-old gave it her all. At this point, both teams had one win each, and many were anticipating the next battle. After all, it could be the deciding point for victory.
Malaysians were all on the edge of their seats as Tze Yong stepped forward. Prior to the tournament, many weren’t sure if Tze Yong would be able to live up to favoured shuttler Lee Zii Jia’s shoes. Furthermore, the odds looked to be against him as he was facing off India’s former world number 1, Srikanth Kidambi.
However, he pulled off one of his greatest wins with a 21-19, 6-21 and 21-16, and urged the Malaysian team to victory. With that score, women’s doubles team Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah brought the game to a close with a fantastic finisher.
Malaysians flocked to Twitter to celebrate and praise the win. Many claimed Zii Jia had put his trust in Tze Yong to nab victory for Malaysia. Others however were keen on uplifting Tze Yong’s efforts. “Can’t believe it, I’m watching one of the best performances from Ng Tze Yong against a player who ranks higher than him. He proved himself and (caused) a major upset, what an improvement,” one comment summarized.
Badminton legend Lee Chong Wei (李宗伟) also took to his socials to congratulate the team as a whole. “Congrats to all of you!” he wrote. “You are all national heroes!” Chong Wei went on to wish them well for their individual matches. “(I hope) to hear “Negaraku” being played in England,” he added. Malaysian para-badminton player Cheah Liek Hou (謝儮好) sent his congratulations via his socials, saying, “Nothing is impossible, you guys deserved the win. Congratulations to all of you.”
Tze Yong’s win against India’s former world no.1 has certainly invigorated the spirits of Malaysians everywhere. We too hope the team will continue to do their best in securing wins for Malaysia!
Check out Tze Yong’s winning point here:
https://twitter.com/fiqahshamss/status/1554551051402878976
Sources: Twitter (1)(2), Facebook, Instagram, Stadium Astro
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