Fellow sufferer Srikanth can inspire Tze Yong
KUALA LUMPUR: India's former world No. 1 K. Srikanth has gone through the difficulties of what Ng Tze Yong is experiencing now.
So, he is the best person to motivate the Malaysian shuttler to make a successful comeback.
Srikanth, whose world ranking plunged to No. 65 in the past two years after his struggles with injuries, is making a remarkable comeback.
The Indian, who had to battle his way into the main draw from the qualifiers, defeated Japan's world No. 23 Yushi Tanaka 21-18, 24-22 at Axiata Arena today to reach the Malaysia Masters final.
"The sport has become more physically demanding, so injuries are part and parcel of it," he said.
"I suffered an ankle injury last year which kept me out for about six months, but I'm happy to be back and competing again.
"I'm quite sure he (Tze Yong) must have been 100 per cent fit and prepared before returning to action. He must have worked extremely hard to recover, so it's unfortunate what has happened. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on court soon."
Tze Yong recently returned to the World Tour following a 14-month layoff due to a back injury. At the Malaysia Masters, he retired from his first-round match against Hong Kong's Angus Ng after suffering a knee strain.
Srikanth will face China's world No. 4 Li Shi Feng in the final. Shi Feng beat Japan's world No. 8 Kodai Naraoka 21-15, 21-15 in the last four.
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