Not easy: Leong Jun Hao will play Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen at the Malaysian Masters first round.
PETALING JAYA: It may be their first-ever meeting, but Leong Jun Hao is anticipating a fiery opening-round clash against Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen at the Malaysian Masters, and the encounter carries a personal backstory that adds extra motivation for the Malaysian.
Nguyen is coached by former national shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, who was once Jun Hao’s senior during their time in the national set-up.
The connection dates back to 2017, when Jun Hao faced Iskandar in the final of the Malaysia International Challenge. It was their only meeting on the international stage, with Jun Hao chasing his maiden senior title. However, Iskandar proved too strong and secured a 21-11, 21-13 win to deny the then 19-year-old a breakthrough victory.
Now Jun Hao has a chance to make up for that disappointment, this time by taking on Iskandar’s protege in the first round tomorrow.
The challenge, though, will be anything but easy. Nguyen arrives in Kuala Lumpur with momentum after pulling off a surprise win over 2021 World Championships bronze medallist Lakshya Sen in the opening round of the Thailand Open last week.
“Looking at the draw, it seems like there is a chance, but it will not be as easy as it looks,” said Jun Hao.
“Nguyen just beat Lakshya, so I have to be better prepared for this match.”
Jun Hao has often shown his best form in team competitions, including during the recent Sudirman Cup in Xiamen two weeks ago. He hopes to bring that same level of intensity into individual tournaments like the Malaysia Masters.
“Maybe I need to approach BWF Tour events the same way I approach team events. It feels odd, but I have not figured out how to do it yet,” said Jun Hao, who is still recovering from a right arm injury.
“In team events, the pressure is higher, and maybe that is what helps me perform better.”
The 26-year-old will be aiming to carry that mindset as he begins his campaign on home soil.
