KUALA LUMPUR: There was no more magic from Ng Tze Yong as the world No. 15 came up short this time in his bid to inflict a second straight defeat on world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen at the Kumamoto Masters in Japan today.
Tze Yong seemed poised for yet another sensational victory against the mighty Dane on Thursday when he was cruising at 9-5 in the rubber game in the last 16 clash.
However, Axelsen showed his class, reversing the tide and ultimately securing a 20-22, 21-11, 21-18 victory to avenge his earlier loss to Tze Yong at the All England in March.
Nevertheless, it was still a commendable performance from Tze Yong, who is gradually establishing himself as one of the men's singles elites this year.
Tze Yong will aim to finish the season strongly at the China Masters next week, but he must first overcome his initial challenge against compatriot Lee Zii Jia in a rematch of the Arctic Open final.
In men's doubles, Denmark Open winners Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik were brought back down to Earth after being sent packing by Japan's Akira Koga-Taichi Saito. They suffered a 21-18, 21-16 defeat, marking their fourth loss in seven meetings against the world No. 16.
However, all is not lost, as Malaysian fans can still count on professional duo Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi to deliver cheers. Yew Sin-Ee Yi will need to step up their game after being pushed to the limit by unheralded Thais Pharanyu Kaosamaang-Worrapol Thongsanga before securing a 14-21, 21-15, 21-15 victory.
In their next match, they will face either one of the Taiwanese pairs - Lu Ching Yao-Yang Po Han or Lee Fang Chih-Lee Fang Jen.