Hsu Jen-hao was crying like a baby when he lost his first round match during a school competition.
A national coach took notice of him – consoled and offered to take him under his wings.
And that opportunity turned Jen-hao into a player full of determination to make a name for himself.
Today, the 21-year-old Taiwanese turned on the power to stun former Indonesia No. 1 Simon Santoso 11-21, 21-14, 22-20 to march into the second round.
His victory has put Simon’s career in jeopardy as the All-Indonesia Badmin-ton Association (PBSI) had told him to shape up or ship out based on his performance in Guangzhou.
“I am thrilled to clear the first round of my first World Championships,” beamed Jen-hao, who is one of the players tipped to be a future star.
“I have never won any titles before but I reached the semi-finals of the New Zealand Open. I am still young and have yet to fully developed my skills.
“Hopefully, I can be a champion in the next four or five years. My movement and net coverage is good but I need to improve on my attacking game.
“I look up to Lee Chong Wei because he is powerful and has good techniques.”
Jen-hao may just get a chance to meet his idol in the quarter-finals if he continues his gallant run.
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