Malaysia’s top men’s singles shuttler, Leong Jun Hao, faces a challenging start at next week’s French Open Super 750 as he goes up against Denmark’s two-time Olympic champion, Viktor Axelsen, in the opening round.
It’s been a run of tough draws for Leong — this week at the Denmark Open, he’s already facing China’s world No. 4 Li Shi Feng, and next week, another world-class opponent awaits in Paris.
However, there’s a glimmer of opportunity. Axelsen has been struggling with his form and fitness after undergoing a minor back surgery. Since returning, the Dane has suffered early exits at the Hong Kong Open and China Open, suggesting he has yet to regain full sharpness.
Currently ranked world No. 20, Leong will look to capitalise on the chance to claim his first career win over Axelsen. Their only previous encounter was at last year’s Singapore Open quarterfinals, where Leong lost in straight games.
At 26, Leong will also be Malaysia’s sole representative in the men’s singles event, with Olympic bronze medallist Lee Zii Jia pulling out of the European leg due to a back injury.
Can Leong Jun Hao turn a tough draw into a breakthrough moment in Paris?
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