All set for action: Leong Jun Hao putting in the training hours ahead of the Malaysian Open at the Axiata Arena. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao is out to impress new head coach Kenneth Jonassen in the Malaysian Open starting today at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
Jun Hao is getting ready to make his debut in the World Tour Super 1000 home event while Kenneth will join K. Yogendran on the coaching bench for the first time.
The world No. 29, who will be Malaysia’s sole representative in the men’s singles in the absence of the injured Lee Zii Jia, is keen to make a good start in front of the Dane.
“It’s new for me to have Kenneth behind me and I’m definitely motivated to show him what I can do on court,” said Jun Hao after a training session at the Axiata Arena yesterday.
“I hope I can do well together with him and I can grow and reach a higher level under him.
“It means a lot for me to qualify for my first Malaysian Open as previously, I was struggling in the 30s and 40 ranking-wise.
“I could not get any breakthroughs in higher tier events but I managed to find some consistency last year. So, this is a point I have in my favour now,” added Jun Hao.
The world No. 29 struggled with injuries earlier in his career but has improved on his fitness and results have started to follow in individual events.
Jun Hao gained a reputation as a giantkiller after pulling off sensational wins over the likes of Indonesia’s world No. 3 Jonatan Christie and world No. 10 Anthony Ginting, Japan’s Kodai Naraoka (No. 8) and Taiwan’s Chou Tien-chen (No. 9) last year.
Jun Hao speaking to head coach Kenneth Jonassen on the latter’s first day at work on Saturday. — Bernama
The 25-year-old made it into the last eight in the Indonesian and Singapore Opens and finished runner-up in the Japan Masters last November.
Jun Hao though faces another huge test in the home Open where he has a difficult task in the first round against China’s world No. 16 Lu Guangzu. This will be the players’ first meeting in an international competition.
Guangzu has already played spoiler once when he beat Zii Jia in the same round in last year’s edition.
On facing the Chinese, Jun Hao said: “I have never played against him but I know he will be a tough opponent. Last year, he beat Zii Jia in the first round here.
“I will prepare my best to play against him. Chinese players are strong mentally and physically, so it’s not easy to beat any of them.”
If Jun Hao pulls off an upset, he will likely have another tough match in the second round against China’s world No. 1 Shi Yuqi.
Yuqi is expected to beat Japan’s world No. 15 Kenta Nishimoto in his opening match.
Jun Hao also acknowledged that he had more responsibility on his shoulders as the sole home hope in the men’s singles.
“Definitely there’s pressure because I’m the only men’s singles for Malaysia. The burden is more,” said Jun Hao.
“Different tournaments bring different pressure. Here playing at home, I definitely want to do better, so the pressure is higher. I need to manage it well and I will give my all on court.”
Meanwhile, world No. 43 Goh Jin Wei, who is also Malaysia’s only representative in the women’s singles, will open her campaign against India’s world No. 32 Malvika Bansod.
