Shi’s on my mind, says Tommy

SEASONED campaigner Tommy Sugiarto (pic) of Indonesia may be a forgotten name by some but he has been working hard to regain his top form that saw him reach a career high of world No. 3.

It has been four years since the 30-year-old reached that level but Tommy has been slowly showing signs of returning to his best form, jumping from No. 34 in April to his current ranking of No. 24.

And it looks like it will get better in the ongoing Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open as he has set up a quarter-final clash against world No. 3 Shi Yuqi of China today.

Tommy showed his steely determination and quality in the second round by defeating world No. 32 Kantaphon Wangcharoen from Thailand 21-13, 21-19 yesterday.

The Thai had earlier packed off world No. 5 and China's Chen Long 23-21, 21-5 in the first round.

“Yes I still hope to bring my performance back to top level and it is very challenging to get there,” said Tommy.

“But I have been preparing myself to be tougher and to be more confident in myself as I look to step up my game.”

“And with the tournaments getting tougher and with more top level players, I really hope I can return to the top for my own good and for Indonesia."

Tommy says he is relishing the challenge of playing against AllEngland champion Shi Yuqi.

“He is a very aggressive player and also accurate (with his shots) and he is now more mature after winning several prestigious and important tournaments. But when we play, it will come down to who is more ready."

If Tommy wins, he will take on the winner of the match between Lee Chong Wei and Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the semis.