KUALA LUMPUR: Fans were split on Leong Jun Hao‘s World Championships exit after the Malaysian fell in the second round to Japan’s world No. 14 Kenta Nishimoto in Paris on Wednesday.
The world No. 25 went down 17-21, 21-13, 25-23 in an 89-minute battle at the Adidas Arena, despite coming agonisingly close to pulling off an upset in the deciding game.
Some supporters voiced frustration at his inability to make deeper runs on the big stage.
“He looked to be on the path to be a top player. But to move from giant-killer to Malaysia’s No. 1 is not easy. Nowadays, the first or second round is only his level,” wrote one fan on the BA of Malaysia’s Facebook page.
Another quipped: “Another disappointing result in men’s singles. He can go for a walk around the Eiffel Tower to have some selfies before heading back to Malaysia.”
Others, however, defended the 26-year-old, praising his fighting spirit and urging him to regroup.
“Whatever it is, my support is always on Jun Hao. You did great. We are human after all. Sometimes to keep up the momentum for a long period is not easy.
“Come back stronger mentally, physically and tactically,” said one post.
“At least he still fought back to level the score even when trailing, but unfortunately luck was not on his side.
“This shows that spirit alone is not enough without the ability to finish rallies quickly. In 50-50 situations, whoever acts faster wins. Come back stronger, Jun Hao,” another fan wrote.
Jun Hao’s narrow defeat leaves Malaysia still searching for a consistent men’s singles contender at world level, with his breakthrough yet to arrive. His loss also ends the country’s challenge in the event after independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia bowed out on Monday.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
