PETALING JAYA: Reality has bitten men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao hard after his sobering defeat to Frenchman Alex Lanier in the Japan Open first round.
World No. 24 Jun Hao was hoping to pull off an upset over world No. 8 Lanier but found the latter too hot to handle and lost tamely 12-21, 14-21 in 40 minutes at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium yesterday.
The 26-year-old’s defeat marked the end of Malaysia’s challenge in the men’s singles in the tourney as he was the country’s sole representative in the event.
Singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen could not hide his frustration after seeing his charge capitulate against the defending champion without putting up much resistance.
“Jun Hao lacks the consistency to challenge this kind of playing style and level,” said Jonassen.
“I’m also quite worried about how far away we are today from being able to push and make Lanier uncomfortable.
“Jun Hao tried his best but never got comfortable due to the pace, zero mistakes and point-by-point hard fighting attitude of his opponent which led to him feeling pressured in most rallies.”
Jonassen admitted that Jun Hao’s form was worrying with the World Championships coming up in Aug 25-31 in Paris and said that the player really needed to step up his game.
“I hate losing but worse is being unable to challenge a good opponent.
“Before this tournament, I was looking for answers in terms of preparation for the worlds, and what level are we at?
“Today I got some answers, we have a long way to go! Going forward, it’s time to step up.”
Jun Hao has been struggling for form this year with his best performance coming in the Singapore Open last month where he made it to the quarter-finals.
The 2017 Asian Junior champion has suffered early round defeats in all his other individual events so far this year.
On where Jun Hao needed to urgently improve on before the world meet, Jonassen said: “There are two areas. First is pace of play which is the key. Being able to play faster and deal with opponents’ fast-paced games.
“Second is he needs to realise the importance of each point. Understanding and accepting how much each point means against players at the highest level.
“If you don’t make them uncomfortable and doubt themselves, they will do this to you.”
Before the Paris showpiece event, Jun Hao has one last chance to prove that he can raise his game when he competes next in the China Open which starts next Tuesday in Changzhou.
