Fired-up Jun Hao beats China's Wang to keep hopes alive

On target: Leong Jun Hao brings cheer for fans by advancing to second round of the Malaysian Open. MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao made a good start in the Malaysian Open by beating China’s Wang Zhengxing.

World No. 28 Jun Hao rose to the occasion in front of the home fans, claiming an impressive 21-17, 21-17 win over world No. 29 Zhengxing in 48 minutes at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil on Wednesday (Jan 7).

Leong Jun Hao. -MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

It was the first meeting between the Malaysian and the 23-year-old Zhengying.

The 26-year-old will next face either Indonesia’s world No. 4 Jonatan Christie or Taiwan’s world No. 20 Lee Chia-hao for a place in the last eight.