Leong Jun Hao. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao pulled off an impressive win over Japan’s world No. 13 Kenta Nishimoto to book his spot in the China Open second round.
Jun Hao played brilliantly to come away with a 21-15, 21-18 win in 45 minutes at the Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium in Changzhou on Tuesday (July 22).
It was sweet revenge for the world No. 26 after he lost to Nishimoto in the Swiss Open second round in March.
Jun Hao though faces a tough task next against Thailand’s world No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn for a place in the last eight on Thursday (July 24).
Said Jun Hao: "Surely, I feel more confident now after clearing the first round but it will not bea easy against Kunlavut."
"I have to focus on recovery, discuss some plans on how to play him (with coach Kenneth Jonassen). The goal is to be more consistent."
