KUALA LUMPUR: Men’s singles players Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh achieved personal breakthroughs in the first round of the Hong Kong Open today ahead of their second-round clash tomorrow.
World No. 23 Jun Hao defeated compatriot Lee Zii Jia 21-16, 21-16 in 40 minutes at the Hong Kong Coliseum, having never beaten the world No. 47 in three previous meetings.
“Yeah, for sure it’s a difficult game because we’ve been playing and training since we were small,” said the 26-year-old in a post-match interview with the Badminton World Federation.
“Before today I never managed to win against him, so I told myself to prepare well and do my best.”
Jun Hao showed composure, pulling ahead early in both games before weathering a late surge from Zii Jia.
He admitted, however, that letting his opponents back into the contest remains an issue he must resolve.
“In between, maybe at some points he tried to gain more speed, and with the wind condition it was difficult,” he said.
“I’m still trying to overcome that and I hope to get better.”
World No. 39 Justin celebrated his first victory in a Super 500 main draw with a notable scalp, ousting France’s world No. 13 Toma Junior Popov 21-12, 21-17 in 43 minutes.
“I played very well today and I think it is one of my best performances,” said the 21-year-old.
“My opponent played quite well, so it was not easy for me to get this win, which makes me even happier.”
Both players spent a week training with the Denmark national team before the World Championships in Paris.
Despite not featuring in Paris, Justin said he picked up new things during the short bootcamp.
“I trained under coach Kenneth Jonassen, so he taught me a lot about the European style of playing,” said Justin.
Jun Hao and Justin will now face off in the second round, with the youngster holding a 2-0 advantage in their head-to-head record against the more experienced and higher-ranked shuttler.
“I’m happy that there are two Malaysians in the second round,” added Justin.
“We are representing our country and we will give our best against each other.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
