KUALA LUMPUR: National No. 2 men's singles shuttler Ng Tze Yong has refused to give up in his battle to be fit for the forthcoming World Tour legs in Europe.
National coaching director Rexy Mainaky revealed that the 23-year-old, who has been administered a pain relief injection last week, is hopeful of returning to full training to keep his Olympics dream alive.
The French Open (March 6-11) and All England (March 12-17), rated Super 750 and Super 1000 respectively, the two highest-tier events on the World Tour, will be crucial for Tze Yong if he harbours hopes of securing his Olympic debut in Paris in August.
Tze Yong currently sits just above the top 16 cut in the Race to Paris rankings, a position he must maintain until the one-year qualifying period ends on April 28.
Lee Zii Jia, the top Malaysian at No. 10, is almost certain, but the national contingent hope to have two of the men's singles quotas filled, with Tze Yong appearing to be Malaysia's best bet for the second slot.
As things stand, Tze Yong's participation in Europe remains a major doubt after sustaining the latest injury associated with his spinal disc during the Badminton Asia Team Championships last week.
However, Rexy said all the concerned parties are doing whatever they can to help Tze Yong get back on his feet.
"We are making every effort to ensure that he returns in the best condition. We hope he will be okay when he returns. It's a pity because now he is ranked 15th.
"Through our conversation we had (on Thursday), we can see that he's very disappointed and frustrated with his situation.
"Which player wouldn't want to play in a big tournament like the All England? Moreover, his chance to qualify for the Olympics is very close.
"He hopes to recover and tries everything possible to make it happen."
Tze Yong has not withdrawn from the tournaments he has signed up for thus far.
In the opening round of the French Open, Tze Yong is slated to meet Taiwan's Yang Su Li, while the All England poses a stronger challenge as he will open his campaign against Lakhsya Sen of India.