Malaysia Masters: Angus Ng reaches first semi-final in 18 months with win over Chou Tien-Chen
- Hong Kong No 1 stuns Taiwanese fourth seed in three games, setting up clash with H.S. Prannoy in Kuala Lumpur
- Women’s top seed Akane Yamaguchi bows out after losing to unseeded Indonesian Gregoria Mariska Tunjung
Angus Ng Ka-long reached his first semi-final in 18 months after a battling victory over Chou Tien-Chen of Taiwan at the Malaysia Masters in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
The Hong Kong No 1 – the city’s last remaining hope in the US$360,000 tournament – had to dig deep and come from behind in a tough quarter-final, winning 13-21, 21-12, 21-13 in just over an hour.
Ng will now take on H.S. Prannoy after the Indian beat Kenta Tsuneyama of Japan in two games, 25-23, 22-20.
After dropping out of the world’s top 10 in late March, Friday’s win could mean a lot for Ng, according to head coach Tim He Yiming.
“The victory should ease a lot of pressure, as this is the first time he has reached a last-four spot in a long time,” said He. “We hope he can capitalise on the good result and continue to move on. We also have to thank the new coach [Wong Tat Meng] who has given much advice to Ng.
“Ng did a very good job with his neat defence, allowing the opponent little chance in attack. And once Chou had to exchange in the rallies, Ng easily took advantage.”
