All the way: Leong Jun Hao stunned Anthony Ginting of Indonesia in the Singapore Open second round.
PETALING JAYA: Leong Jun Hao’s finest moment of his career arrived at the Singapore Indoor Stadium after he toppled world No. 7 Anthony Ginting of Indonesia to march into the Singapore Open quarter-finals yesterday.
The fact that this is also the first time world No. 36 Jun Hao is playing in a super 750 event made it a more memorable achievement.
Jun Hao secured a hard-earned 21-14, 10-21, 21-8 win over Ginting, who finished runner-up at the All England in March, in a gripping match that lasted for 56 minutes.
Having lost to Ginting in straight games in his previous two meetings, Jun Hao battled hard to earn his first victory over a top 10 player.
Anthony Ginting
“I have played several top players before but this is the first time I have managed to secure an upset, It was really satisfying,” said Jun Hao.
“I have played Ginting twice and had lost on both occasions. The match here was really tough.
“Since the Thomas Cup Finals, I have been more consistent in tournaments and I hope to continue with this momentum.”
Jun Hao played as the second singles during the Thomas Cup in Chengdu from April 27-May 5 where he had beaten Angus Ng Ka Long in Malaysia’s 5-0 victory over Hong Kong in the group stage and out-played world No. 20 Koki Watanabe in a 3-1 win against Japan that took the team to the semi-finals.
Standing in his way at the Singapore Open quarter-finals is Danish warrior and world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark.
It will be another mountain to climb for Jun Hao.
Axelsen, who won the Malaysian Masters by beating top Malaysian shuttler Lee Zii Jia, had struggled in his second-round match before defeating Lin Chun-yi of Taiwan 21-16, 14-21, 21-16 in 56 minutes.
“Axelsen is the world No. 1 and another strong player. I have discussed with my coach to prepare for that match,” added Jun Hao.
He has not played Axelsen before and it will be another valuable exposure and also a chance for the Malaysian to make bigger headlines if he can somehow turn things around today.
