PETALING JAYA: The first impression matters and singles head coach Kenneth Jonassen got what he wanted from the Malaysian Open – precious and valuable insights.
Not even a week into his job as the singles supremo, Jonassen from Denmark had to manage and lead the players at the season opener home tournament in Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil – where there were overwhelming expectations on the local players.
It was heavier in the men’s singles as former great Datuk Lee Chong Wei had won the home title 12 times and there have not been any successors who have come close.
The hope was on sole representative Leong Jun Hao and the world No. 29 tried to push himself beyond the limit before going down to Lu Guangzu of China in the first round.
Jonassen was appreciative of the experience.
“I think, it was a good and important experience to have, which can and will help us, moving forward,” said Jonassen.
Asked whether the atmosphere and expectations were different from Denmark, Jonassen said: “Not much difference really and I believe Leong responded well to the pressure a home event brings.
“Expectations are very much the same here as in Denmark and the desire for player and coaches to make a difference are just as strong here.”
Jonassen hopes talented Jun Hao will give himself another shot to show improvement in the Indian Open starting today.
The Malaysian has a tough draw against Li Shifeng of China in the first round.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how Leong fares against Shi Feng as it will be another opportunity to test himself against a world-class player,” said Jonassen.
The Dane is staying back at home to continue to get an idea of the current situation in both men and women’s singles department while Jun Hao is assisted by singles coach K. Yogendran.
Shifeng lost to teammate and eventual champion Shi Yuqi in the semi-finals in the Malaysian Open.
In fact, China was in immaculate form in the season opener as they made into the finals of all the five events. It was the first time in two decades that China had achieved such a feat in the home tournament, with the last one being at the 2005 edition.
Except for Yuqi, China lost in all the other four finals.
The strong presence of China and good showing from South Korea, Japan and Thailand have set the tempo on what to expect throughout the season - it’s set to be an exciting year.
