KUALA LUMPUR: The recently concluded Malaysia Games may not be the best yardstick, but 20-year-old shuttler Jacky Kok wants to keep pushing his limit.
Backed by his promising showing at the Games, the Kedah-born hopes to make an impression at the Super 100 Vietnam Open that starts tomorrow.
Last week, Jacky fought hard before crashing out in the semi-finals after going down to eventual silver medallist Leong Jun Hao.
In the bronze medal play-off, Jacky was defeated by Selangor's Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin.
Jacky said: "My target is to go as far as possible in this tournament.
"My possible second-round opponent is India's Meiraba Luwang Maisnam.
"It will not be easy, but I will give my best. I want to achieve a breakthrough for myself," said Jacky, a member of Malaysia's Asian Team Championships winning team in February.
World No 79 Meiraba has been in sizzling form. Last week, the 19-year-old, who trains at the Prakash Padukone Academy, bagged his second title this season by winning the Maharashtra International Challenge. His first this year was the Iran International Challenge in February.
Japan's Kanta Tsuneyama, Kodai Naraoka and India's B. Sai Praneeth are the other top shuttlers in the tournament.
In the absence of Malaysia Games champion Ng Tze Yong, the BA of Malaysia (BAM) will be banking on their backup stars to do their bidding.
Among them are Jun Hao, Cheam June Wei, Lim Chong King, Aidil and Shaqeem Eiman Shahyar.