China's Guangzu shatters Jun Hao's dream start at home

Malaysia men’s single shuttler Leong Jun Hao in action for the Malaysia Open 2025 at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

BUKIT JALIL: Men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao went down fighting to China’s Lu Guangzu in the Malaysian Open first round.

World No. 29 Jun Hao, who was Malaysia’s sole representative in the home event and was making his debut in the tournament, lost 17-21, 21-16, 13-21 in 79 minutes at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday (Jan 7).

World No. 16 Guangzu also ended the hopes of national No. 1 Lee Zii Jia in the same round in last year’s edition.

Zii Jia not not compete this year because he pulled out of the competition due to a right ankle ligament injury.