Loosening up: Malaysia men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao getting a massage after training at the Phaphloen Badminton Court in Bangkok. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
BANGKOK: Pride is at stake for singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao in the men’s team event final against Indonesia today.
Jun Hao is known as a team event specialist but could not give his team a winning start in the semi-finals against Thailand on Monday after losing to 2023 world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn.
The team managed to come from behind to claim a 3-1 victory thanks to Justin Hoh and doubles pairs Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.
The world No. 29 Jun Hao is unhappy due to his defeat and is keen to make amends when he face a tricky task against rising player and world No. 17 Alwi Farhan in the first singles.
“I started well against Kunlavut but could not steal the points during the crucial stages. I need to improve on this,” said Jun Hao.
“I have played Alwi once before in the Korean Open and lost narrowly. This time it’s different though as this is a team event and I want to perform better.”
Jun Hao has struggled for consistency this year but can take inspiration from his performance in the men’s team final also against Indonesia in the last edition in 2023 in Cambodia.
The 26-year-old stunned favourite Chico Aura to give Malaysia a strong start.
Although the team eventually lost the tie 1-3, Jun Hao proved that he could rise to the occasion in team events.
Jun Hao also played an important role in Malaysia’s bronze medal win in the Thomas Cup in Chengdu last year.
If Jun Hao can turn the tables on Alwi this time, it will give the team a huge boost.
Malaysia will also be counting on world No. 38 Justin again in the second singles.
Justin will most likely play world No. 48 Moh Zaki Ubaidillah and will also be out for revenge after losing to the latter in their only meeting previously in the Thailand Masters in January.
If the tie goes down to the wire, the team will be banking on independent player and world No. 45 Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin to deliver against either world No. 52 Prahdiska Bagas or Yohanes Saut (No. 80).
In the doubles, world No. 2 Aaron-Wooi Yik could take on world No. 8 Sabar Karyaman-Moh Reza while Wei Chong-Kai Wun (No. 5) will likely meet Leo Rolly-Bagas Maulana (No. 19).
Men’s doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi could also field scratch pairings.
