Ng fell to Wang Zhengxing of Hunan in a hard-fought 2-1 match, narrowly missing a spot in the final four.
The match was a dramatic battle from the start. The first game saw the lead change hands repeatedly, with Ng ultimately clinching it 21-18.
Wang responded by upping the tempo in the second game, racing to a 7-2 lead. Despite the deficit, Ng patiently slowed the rhythm, gradually clawing his way back to narrow the gap to 9-10. The players then traded attacks in a point-for-point struggle, but Wang eventually levelled the match by taking that game 21-19.
In the decisive third game, Ng started with increased speed and intensity but was unable to suppress a resilient Wang, who pulled away to win 21-14.
Despite the loss, the 31-year-old reflected on a journey of significant personal growth since his first National Games when he was just 19.
“From the first time I participated in the National Games, I faced many players from the mainland who were stronger than me and of a very high level,” Ng said.
“Now, most of them are younger than me, so I’ve seen myself at different stages. When competing against strong players from the mainland, I reflect on the changes I’ve made on the court.”
Despite being a veteran player, Ng says he still feels the drive to win.
“I still want to win on the court, and my passion hasn’t diminished. I hope to maintain my enthusiasm for badminton and my desire for victory to continue pushing forward.”
