Jun Hao settles for runner-up in Japan Masters after giant-killing streak

TOKYO, Nov 17 — Leong Jun Hao lost the Japan Masters final to China’s world No.9 Li Shifeng after a stunning run in the tournament. He was downed in two sets, 10-12 and 13-21 in 44 minutes today.

Leong had so far beaten the odds by beating much higher-ranked opponents that included Japan’s Kodai Naraoka (No.4), Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie (No.6), Koki Watanabe (No.



11) from Japan and India’s world No.17 Lakshya Sen. This is Leong’s first final in a World Tour Super 500 competition and also makes him the first Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) men’s singles player to make it into a World Tour tournament final in 2024.

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