Ee Yi still recovering from knee injury but help from NSI brings relief

PETALING JAYA: The biggest challenge for Teo Ee Yi at the moment is to recover from his knee injury and the potential obstacles he is set to face at the World Championships in Copenhagen with his men’s doubles partner Ong Yew Sin in Copenhagen next week.

Ee Yi suffered the right knee injury during the Australian Open from Aug 1-6 where he and Yew Sin who are ranked world No. 8, lost in the second round.

The independent pair’s best outing was at the 2021 World Championships in Huelva, Spain, where they reached the semi-finals but Ee Yi admitted it will be a tough act to repeat.

“I suffered the injury at the Australian Open and it looks quite serious and I’ve not been pushing myself in training,” said Ee Yi.

“I had this injury for a couple of weeks now and have only started recovering, so I’m not having very high hopes at the world championships.

“We are still hoping to win our matches and will do our best in Copenhagen.”

Yew Sin-Ee Yi are possibly relieved with the draw as they have received a first-round bye and are likely to meet world No. 46 Pharanyu Kaosamaang-Worrapol Thongsa-Nga in the second round.

Ee Yi will also be getting assistance from a National Sports Institute (NSI) physiotherapist to help in his treatment and recovery during the world championships.

Yew Sin-Ee Yi are under the Road to Gold (RTG) programme and are accorded free assistance from NSI staff until the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“It’s a relief to have the NSI staff helping me in my recovery and rehab process,” added Ee Yi.

“During the tournament, the muscles get stiff after matches and there are matches the following day. Their presence will help in terms of treatment and sports massage will help a great deal.”

Yew Sin-Ee Yi’s focus will be to beat the Thai pair in the second round before facing a difficult last-16 match against China’s world No. 3 Liang Weikeng-Wang Chang.

Defending champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are the other Malaysian pairs who will be competing in the men’s doubles.