Leong Jun Hao’s Unlikely Rise to the Top
A Giant-Killing Performance
Singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao has defeated four top players on his way to the final of the Kumamoto Masters in Japan. Now only China’s world No 9, Li Shi Feng, stands in his way.
The Comeback Kid
Leong Jun Hao appeared to be on the brink of defeat, trailing 13-17 in the rubber game to Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie at the Kumamoto Masters Japan singles semi-final today, when he delivered a stunning comeback. Already having downed three big names en route to the semi-final, the world No. 31 found his second wind to draw level at 18-18, before going on to clinch the crucial game 22-20.
A World-Class Player
Playing his fourth rubber match of the Super 500 series tournament, Jun Hao beat the world No 4 10-21, 21-18, 22-20. Having registered hard-fought victories over Olympic semi-finalist Lakshya Sen of India and Japan’s top shuttlers Koki Watanabe and Kodai Naraoka in front of a noisy home crowd, it is clear that the 25-year-old Jun Hao has matured into a world-class player.
The Road to the Final
So, can he pull off another major upset in the final against China’s world No 9 Li Shi Feng tomorrow? It is a Herculean task but not impossible given his giant-killing performances this week. Jun Hao has endured a lean spell in the World Tour series so far this year, getting only as far as the quarter-finals on one occasion. However, he has had success at the junior level previously, winning the Asian Junior Championships and bagging a silver at the World Junior Championships in 2017.
Coach’s Assessment
Speaking to FMT from Japan, coach K Yogendran said Jun Hao has always been a highly motivated team player and only had 10 days of training before leaving for Japan. Yogendran said the support staff have been attending to him and talking to him constantly. "He is always a positive person. His performance here (in Japan) has been beyond expectations. As you know, all his matches went into rubber games but he handled them well. Our only concern is his fitness (following the tough matches), but the support guys are working on it," he said.
The Final Hurdle
Yogendran revealed that when Jun Hao trailed 7-11 at the break in the rubber game against Jonatan, all he told him was to focus on winning and play his heart out. "He played amazingly (after that), clawing himself out from the jaws of defeat to upset the Indonesian." He also asked Malaysian fans to pray for Jun Hao’s quick recovery ahead of his match against Li, who upset top seed Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in straight games 21-16, 21-15 in the other semi-final. "I am confident he will give his all and bring more cheer to Malaysian fans tomorrow although he has already achieved that," Yogendran said.
Former National Player’s Praise
Former national player and coach James Selvaraj praised Jun Hao’s performance, calling his wins over four of the world’s top players in four days a rare feat for a Malaysian shuttler. "He has been very consistent in Japan and showed a high level of mental and emotional control. While no one should be overconfident, especially when playing against Chinese players, his performance offers a glimmer of hope that he can clinch the championship. All he has to do is stay positive and keep playing as he has throughout the championship. Let’s all root for him," James told FMT.
Conclusion
Leong Jun Hao’s journey to the final of the Kumamoto Masters is a testament to his determination and resilience. Despite facing stiff competition, he has managed to outlast and outplay some of the world’s top shuttlers. While the final against Li Shi Feng will be a tough one, Jun Hao has already achieved something remarkable. Whatever the outcome, he has made Malaysia proud and has given fans a lot to cheer about.
FAQs
Q: How many top players has Leong Jun Hao defeated on his way to the final?
A: Four top players, including world No 4 and Olympic semi-finalist Lakshya Sen of India.
Q: What is Leong Jun Hao’s current ranking?
A: World No 31.
Q: Has Leong Jun Hao had success at the junior level?
A: Yes, he has won the Asian Junior Championships and bagged a silver at the World Junior Championships in 2017.
Q: What is the biggest challenge Leong Jun Hao faces in the final?
A: Playing against China’s world No 9 Li Shi Feng, who upset top seed Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in straight games in the other semi-final.