Kodai in Jun Hao’s way as he eyes good run in Japan to move up

Malaysia's Leong Jun Hao hits a return against Japan's Takuma Obayashi during their men's singles match on the second day of the Japan Open badminton tournament at Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo on August 21, 2024. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP)

PETALING JAYA: Men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao has a good chance to move up as the country’s No. 2 player if he rides on his good start in the Japan Open.

World No. 27 Jun Hao defeated Takuma Obayashi of Japan 21-15, 21-17 in the first round in Yokohama yesterday.