5 hours Ago By Faizal Salim
KUALA LUMPUR: Shuttler Leong Jun Hao is determined to make a stronger impact on court after admitting he struggles to adapt tactically during matches.The world No. 26 showed flashes of his true potential last season, including a run to the Kumamoto Masters final, but has since struggled to make his mark on the World Tour.
A recent example was his second-round defeat at the Swiss Open last month to Japan's world No. 13 Kenta Nishimoto. Jun Hao trailed 15-5 in the opening game before staging a spirited fightback to 18-17, only to lose 21-17.
He took the second game 22-20 but narrowly lost the decider by the same score.With world No. 9 Lee Zii Jia sidelined through injury, Jun Hao now shoulders the nation's hopes in the men's singles at the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, China, on April 27-May 4.
Adding to the responsibility, Jun Hao is also co-captain of the national team alongside women's doubles star Pearly Tan, and is eager to lead by example."During matches, I try to read my opponent's game and make adjustments, but that often leads to me falling behind in points," said Jun Hao."It's something I've become more aware of.
I'm working with my coaches to fix this. I need to react quicker and adapt better to make a difference."World No.
46 Justin Hoh is the only other men's singles player in the squad. Zii Jia has skipped the tournament to recover from a back injury, while Ng Tze Yong has only recently returned to competition.Jun Hao, however, is ready to step up for the national team, who are drawn in Group C alongside Japan, Australia and France.
"With Zii Jia and Tze Yong out, I know I have to raise my game and fight for every point," he said."Every match matters. Everyone in the team needs to play their part to help us win our ties.
"© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
