Injury concern for Jun Hao ahead of Thailand Open

Malaysia men’s singleS shuttler Leong Jun Hao. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Injury concerns have returned to haunt the national badminton camp, this time involving men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao, who may miss next week’s Thailand Open in Bangkok.

National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen said the team were doing everything possible to get Jun Hao back to full fitness in time for the tournament, which starts on Tuesday.

For now, Jun Hao remains in the tournament entry list, but a final decision will hinge on his medical report.

If the results are not encouraging, the coaches are unlikely to take any risks, especially with three major tournaments lined up over the next four weeks.

These include the Malaysian Masters (May 20–25), Singapore Open (May 27–June 1), and Indonesian Open (June 3–8).

"We are looking into what can be done and want to make the right decision in terms of how to play these next four important tournaments.

"We're starting next week with Thailand Open, then of course Malaysian Masters, and then Singapore and Indonesia. So, we have to be strategical and get the right amount of feedback before making a final decision.

"No, we don't have that intention (withdraw) at the moment. But of course, every time we practice, we get wiser. And as I said, we will make a decision when we have all the information, which we feel we can make a good decision.

"Our goal is to play next week, of course. But if we withdraw, we'll withdraw," said Jonassen.

Jun Hao is believed to have injured his hand during Malaysia’s Sudirman Cup tie against Sri Lanka in Xiamen last week.

Jonassen, however, declined to disclose the extent of the injury to avoid causing unnecessary concern.

According to the Thailand Open draw, Jun Hao is scheduled to face world No. 18 Angus Ng Ka Long of Hong Kong in the first round.