NATIONAL men’s singles shuttler Justin Hoh is determined to close the gap with his senior Leong Jun Hao.
The 20-year-old Justin was inspired by Jun Hao’s remarkable comeback and recent performances.
Both Justin and Jun Hao have faced significant setbacks due to injuries after promising starts to their careers. Jun Hao, who won the Asian Junior Championships in 2017, struggled with a series of injuries that hampered his progess.
Similarly, Justin, who once reached career-high of No. 54, suffered an Achilles tendon rupture last year, followed by another foot injury and a knee injury earlier this year. Despite these challenges, Justin is keeping his fingers crossed that he can emulate his senior, who had gradually regained his form and is now ranked in the world’s No. 27.
“He (Jun Hao) is my senior and I’m genuinely happy for him,” said Justin. “His determination and resilience inspired me, and I hope to close the gap between us and emulate his footsteps.”
Justin is now placed at the 68th spot and has claimed three titles – Slovenia Open, Northern Marianas Open and Saipan International – since returning to competitive action in April.
“Winning these titles really boosted my confidence, especially after being out nearly a year ago due to injuries,” said Justin. “I was feeling down, but these victories reassured me that I could come back stronger.”
Yesterday, Justin and his team, Federal Territories had to settle for silver in the mixed team event after going down 3-1 to Selangor in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) at the Sibu Indoor Stadium. Justin won the solitary point when he defeated Chua Kim Sheng 12-21, 21-7, 21-6.
He will now shift his focus to the individual event starting today and hopes to go one better that Jun Jao who won the silver in the boys’ singles at the last Sukma.
“I am proud to represent Federal Territories for the second time, and I hope to win the boys’ singles title for the team,” said Justin.
RESULTS
MIXED TEAM
Final: Selangor bt Federal Territories 3-1 (K. Letshanaa bt Lee Kay Xin 21-8, 21-6; Chua Kim Sheng lost to Justin Hoh 21-12, 7-21, 6-21; Wong Vin Sean-Ho Lo Ee bt Low Han Chen-Odelia Wong Qiao Shi 21-14, 21-7; Loh Zhi Wei-Siti Nurshuhaini Azman bt Amanda Yap Hwa Leng-Ong Xin Yee 19-21, 21-15, 21-7).
Bronze-medal match: Penang bt Sarawak 3-1 (Lim Zhi Shin lost to Wong Ling Ching 19-21, 13-21; Ong Zhen Yi bt Goh Shun Huat 21-16, 13-21; Rayner Beh Chun Meng-Khor Jing Wen bt Jeremy Juan Zhen Liang-Kashley Kho Tze Yin 15-21, 21-9, 21-13; Lee Xin Jie-Tan Zhing Yi bt Genevie Lim Tsin Yeen-Lee Zi Suen 21-9, 21-10).
