5 days Ago
PETALING JAYA: National men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao (pic) wants to turn things around for himself at the upcoming Asian Championships from April 8-13 in Ningbo, China. The world No. 26 knows his path at the tournament won’t be easy, starting off with a tough challenge from Taiwan’s Lin Chun-yi in the first round.
Although Jun Hao has won both of his previous matches with world No. 13 Chun-yi, the Taiwanese shuttler’s recent form has been threatening. “I believe there is a chance for me at this tournament, so I am determined to turn things around and do well.
“But Chun-yi won’t be easy, he just defeated Viktor Axelsen at the All-England. He is a strong and aggressive player so I need to be well prepared for him. “He is an attacking player, so I will need to see how the match goes to determine if I need to be defensive or aggressive.
The court conditions will play a role too,” said Jun Hao, who will be making his debut at the tournament. In preparation for the tournament in China, Jun Hao has been implementing changes into his game, led by singles head coach Kenneth Jonassen. “I’m still in the process of adapting to some of the new changes made by the coach.
It’s not big changes but mainly on improving certain aspects of my game that were not very effective in the past,” he said. If Jun Hao can get the better of Chun-yi, the battle will continue as he would either take on China’s world No. 20 Lu Guangzu or India’s world No.
29 H.S. Prannoy for a spot in the quarter-finals.
“The draw is tough but I have to see it as a challenge. Each match brings with it valuable experience and helps me gain confidence to face the best players,” he said. Putting on a good performance in Ningbo will be crucial for Jun Hao to give himself a boost in confidence ahead of the Sudirman Cup from April 27-May 4 in Xiamen, China.
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