[Watch] Did Malaysia’s Badminton “Super Fan” Chant “Are You Sleeping” At French Open?
It’s believed the voice in the video belonged to ardent badminton fan Darence Chan during a semi-final match between Malaysia’s Ng Tze Yong and China’s Li Shi Feng.
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UPDATE
Darence told TRP that he had sent a message to Ng Tze Yong to privately apologise for his behaviour at the French Open.
He explained that he sang “Are you sleeping?” during the match as reverse psychology, but realised his error now and how it killed morale instead.
He promised Ng he would not do it again in future matches and hoped there would be peace for both of them.
He also wished Ng all the best and reiterated his wish to support Malaysian athletes.
Ardent badminton fan Darence Chan has been accused of harassing Malaysian national shuttler Ng Tze Yong at the French Open in Rennes, France.
In a viral video, a male spectator could be heard singing “Are you sleeping?” repeatedly while Ng played against China’s Li Shi Feng.
The voice is believed to belong to Darence, who once said he dreamed of becoming a badminton journalist.
Siapa si bodoh yang kurang ajar sangat chant macam tu masa Ng Tze Yong tengah main?? Kalau aku memang rabak dah muka kau kena hempuk dengan raket 😒 pic.twitter.com/NbZtn0kocs
— ALAN (@IniAlalalannn) October 30, 2023
Ng advanced to the semi-finals on Saturday after receiving a walkover from world champion Thailand’s Kunvalut Vitidsarn in the quarter-finals on Friday.
However, he couldn’t capitalise on the advantage and lost to Li in straight games 21-17, 21-13.
Netizens criticised Darence for being rude and disruptive at the French Open. Some have implored him to stop his behaviour at badminton matches.
Meanwhile, on his social media accounts, Darence posted a supportive message for Ng. In an Instagram post, Darence implied the French Open is his final away trip this year.
Despite being disappointed with Ng’s results, Darence said he has full confidence that Ng will get his first World Tour title by the end of the year.
Over on Twitter, he criticised the French Open organisers for allegedly kicking fans out after each session.
He suggested the organisers provide special wristbands for ticket holders so they have the right to stay in the stadium during the intervals.
(A thread)
— Darence Chan (@DarenceChan) October 28, 2023
Why do the organisers of the French Open kick out the fans during each session? Their claims is for “security” reasons, but I think that this is bullsh*t in my opinion because there are so many ways around it, and by forcing people outside with no shelter….
Who is Darence Chan?
Darence Chan Wei Hoong first caught widespread attention for singing “Saya Anak Malaysia” from the sidelines during Tan Kian Meng/ Tan Wee Kiong’s match at the All England Open Badminton Championship in March 2022.
He received praises for being unashamed to sing loudly and proudly cheering for Malaysia’s national shuttles.
READ MORE: [Watch] M’sian Sings ‘Saya Anak Malaysia’ To Cheer National Athletes At 2022 All England Match
He also sent national shuttler Lee Zii Jia a heart-warming letter and a Manchester United club magazine to encourage Lee to bounce back from his performance at the All England Open.
In the letter, he also claimed that the typical local journalist is negative and he wanted to challenge the convention and write the positive side of stories.
READ MORE: Badminton’s Biggest Fan Darence Thrilled Zii Jia Shared His Letter On Instagram
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