Carrying the responsibility of replacing Lee Zii Jia as Malaysia’s top men’s singles player has tested Leong Jun Hao’s composure and consistency on the World Tour.
National coach K. Yogendran acknowledged that Jun Hao initially struggled to cope with the expectations that came with being the nation’s No. 1.
“Jun Hao did feel the pressure, especially during his first week as Malaysia’s top men’s singles player. He set high expectations for himself, and it affected his performance,” said Yogendran.
“But he has since adjusted well to the role and is now focused on breaking into the world’s top 16.”
The world No. 21, who reached the Hong Kong Open quarter-finals last month and defeated Lee Zii Jia for the first time in four meetings, continues to show steady progress.
Yogendran noted that Jun Hao’s maturity and consistency have improved, especially in individual events.
“He used to perform better in team competitions, but his recent performances in the Hong Kong Open, China Masters, and Korea Open show that he’s growing in confidence and control.”
Jun Hao will be Malaysia’s sole representative in the men’s singles event at the Denmark Open, beginning tomorrow. He faces a tough first-round challenge against China’s world No. 4 Li Shi Feng, whom he has beaten only once in eight previous meetings — during the first round of the India Open earlier this year.
“Although his head-to-head record isn’t in his favor, Jun Hao tends to perform well in opening rounds. Hopefully, he can repeat his success from India,” added Yogendran.
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