KUALA LUMPUR: Shuttler Leong Jun Hao is not letting the ongoing structural changes in the national men's singles department distract him from his task in the Malaysian Open starting today at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) are currently in the midst of shaking up the coaching structure in the men's singles in a bid to turn around the fortunes of Jun Hao and his teammates after a disappointing 2025.
Among the names linked to the men's singles head coach position are Datuk Tey Seu Bock and Yeoh Kay Bin.
Seu Bock was shifted from senior men's singles to junior coach at the end of 2024 while Kay Bin will part ways with independent player Lee Zii Jia after the home Open.
Currently, K. Yogendran is overseeing the men's singles under singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen, who joined BAM a year ago.
While not knowing who will be guiding him soon can be distracting, Jun Hao has vowed to stay focused on his job at hand.
"I cannot influence what happens, so for now my focus is on playing my best under Yogendran," said Jun Hao.
"I just hope whoever takes over as coach, we can all work together to do well."
Jun Hao is already feeling happier after a change in training programme by Jonassen four to five months ago.
The Dane initially implemented the European training approach that emphasised self-driven goal-setting and mental challenges but Jun Hao and the others in the team struggled to adapt, prompting a switch to more familiar Asian-based training framework.
Jun Hao hopes the return to the old approach can help him rediscover his spark.
"There were some changes in the training method and we have returned to the style that I’m used to before this," said Jun Hao.
"This has been positive for me and I hope I can regain my best form.
"Of course, the European method can help me improve where I’m lacking but it takes time to adapt.
"It's hard to change my mindset after getting used to the same methods for so long."
Jun Hao, who is currently ranked No. 28 in the world has a tricky opening match against China's world No. 29 Wang Zhengxing.
The 26-year-old is hoping to at least clear his first hurdle after going down to another Chinese player Lu Guangzu in the opener in his debut last year.
This will be the first meeting between Jun Hao and Zhengxing.
"I lost in the first round last year and I hope to at least win my first match this time," said Jun Hao.
"Playing against Chinese players is never easy. I need to prepare well and play my best."
