SHUTTLER Ng Tze Yong has proven that he has the skills to match the best players in the sport one day.
Now he just needs more high-level tournaments to polish his game.
On his Thomas Cup debut in Denmark, the 21-year-old was certainly a breath of fresh air for the men's team with his attacking prowess and occasional flashes of showmanship.
The world No 82 made headlines when he defeated 79th-ranked B. R. Sankeerth of Canada in the group stage.
But it was the performance against world No 7 Jonatan Christie in the quarter-finals that left Malaysian fans excited in Friday's 3-0 defeat to Indonesia.
For a shuttler who did not play a single tournament last year and only a handful of events this year due to the Covid-19 situation, Tze Yong certainly handled himself well in the face of adversity.
Despite coming on with Malaysia trailing 2-0, Tze Yong drew much admiration in his 14-21, 21-19, 21-16 defeat to Jonatan.
Tze Yong's performance even earned praise from Jonatan.
"He played very well, considering that it was a quarter-final tie, which everyone wanted to do their best," said Jonatan.
"With Indonesia 2-0 up, there was no pressure on him, and he took his opportunity to play the way he wanted.
"Luckily, I managed to handle it well after losing the first game, but it was still a very good performance from him (Tze Yong)."
Tze Yong certainly has the pedigree to go far and become a world-beater. However, he has to play more in more high-level tournaments to make a grade.