Good game: Leong Jun Hao (left) shaking hands with Hong Kong’s Angus Ng Ka Long after beating him in the Group D match of the Thomas Cup Finals.
CHENGDU: Never count shuttler Leong Jun Hao out in a team event no matter the odds.
Jun Hao is a different animal when it comes to team competitions and proved it once again when he rose to the occasion to stun world No. 27 Angus Ng Ka Long in the second singles to help Malaysia to a smashing 5-0 win over Hong Kong in the opening Group D match.
The world No. 37 had the huge task of filling the void left behind by the injured Ng Tze Yong (No. 18) and he handled the pressure magnificently to come away with a hard fought 17-21, 21-12, 21-15 victory in 61 minutes at the Hi-Tech Sports Center yesterday.
Jun Hao was thrilled to give the team the win.
“There’s something about team events that brings out the best in me,” said Jun Hao.
“It’s the spirit in the team which is like a family. I always want to fight hard and do my very best for the team.
“The support from my teammates spurred me on to make a comeback today (yesterday) and I’m really happy to get this win.”
He is expected to be given a lead role when Malaysia take on Algeria today.
In fact, Lee Zii Jia and Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are expected to be rested. Jun Hao is likely to be accompanied by Cheam June Wei and Justin Hoh in the second and third singles spots.
In the absence of Aaron-Wooi Yik, Asian meet runners-up Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Mohd Haikal Nazri-Choong Hon Jian are expected to be given the mandate to deliver the points in the doubles.
Jun Hao hopes his win will not only be a boost to him but also all the singles players in the team after the loss of Tze Yong.
“I know that the attention is more on Zii Jia and the doubles pairs to get the points and for me winning is like a bonus,” said Jun Hao.
“I hope that my win will give the singles team more confidence. There are tougher matches for me and I want to maintain my form.”
Earlier, world No. 10 Lee Zii Jia had given the team the best start possible with a 21-18, 21-18 win over world No. 15 Lee Cheuk Yiu.
The other points were contributed by Aaron-Wooi Yik, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and youngster Justin Hoh.
Aaron-Wooi Yik brushed past Law Cheuk Him-Yeung Shing Choi 21-16, 21-12 while Sze Fei-Izzuddin beat scratch pair Reginald Lee-Tang Chun Man 21-19, 21-18.
The 20-year-old Justin, who was making his debut in the team meet then added the icing on the cake with an impressive 21-17, 19-21, 21-17 victory over Chan Yin Chak in the third singles.
Malaysia are now guaranteed a spot in the last eight but their next big test will come against second seeds Denmark on Tuesday.
The Danes trounced Algeria 5-0 in their first tie yesterday.
