Malaysia men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao fall down while against China’s Li Shi Feng during the semi-final match of Thomas Cup Finals at Hi-Tech Zone Sports Centre in Chengdu, China on Saturday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Be bold and daring.
This is singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen’s message to the likes of shuttlers Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh ahead of the Thailand SEA Games badminton competition starting tomorrow with the team event at Thammasat University in Pathum Thani.
Jonassen has called on his struggling charges to step up after the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) set an ambitious four-gold medal target in the Games including the men’s team title.
The Dane acknowledged that the singles need to contribute points for the team if they hope to meet the target.
The other men’s singles players selected in the team are Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin and Eogene Ewe.
“It’s true that the singles need to win matches. I want my players to be bold on court,” said Jonassen.
“They need to be daring and play the way we have taught them in training.
“For me, it’s very important for the players to embrace this challenge and showcase their abilities in the best way.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing them perform in this tournament both in the team and individual events,” added Jonassen.
World No. 29 Jun Hao and world No. 38 Justin have struggled for consistency this year and need to raise their game if they hope to help the team overcome the likes of Indonesia and hosts Thailand.
Indonesia have dropped world No. 4 Jonatan Christie for the Games but will still pose a threat through world No. 17 Alwi Farhan and Moh Zaki Ubaidillah (No. 48).
Thailand boast 2023 world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn and 2019 world meet bronze medallist Kantaphon Wangcharoen in their ranks and will also have the backing of their fans.
Malaysia have the advantage in the doubles with world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and world No. 5 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in the team but need at least one point from the singles to win.
Despite his inconsistencies, Jun Hao is known for his reliability in team events and will be keen to put his disappointing year so far behind him.
In the last Games in 2023 in Cambodia, the 26-year-old was part of the team that finished second behind Indonesia.
Jun Hao also helped the team win bronze in the Thomas Cup Finals in Chengdu last year along with Justin.
In the SEA Games, Malaysia last won the men’s team gold two decades ago in the 2005 edition in the Philippines.
The draw for the team event will be released today.
The team competition will end on Dec 10 while the individual event will be from Dec 11-14.
