Staying sharp: Leong Jun Hao returning a shot to China’s Wang Zhengxing. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Datuk Tey Seu Bock’s presence in the coaching chair seems to have sparked shuttler Leong Jun Hao back to life as he ended a run of five consecutive first round defeats in the World Tour.
And he did it in style at the Malaysian Open after pulling off an impressive 21-17, 21-17 victory in 48 minutes against China’s world No. 29 Wang Zhengxing in the opening match at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Seu Bock, who has been strongly tipped to return as the senior men’s singles coach in the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), was seen guiding Jun Hao along with K. Yogendran.
It was a much needed turnaround from the world No. 28 after last winning a match in the World Tour in the China Masters in September.
A much happier Jun Hao said that Seu Bock’s presence was key to his victory.
“He used to guide me before and he’s coaching me again for the first time in a match today (yesterday),” said the 26-year-old Jun Hao.
“For sure, it feels different as he has guided the senior men’s singles players for so many years.
“He knows our style of play better, so I felt more comfortable on court.”
Seu Bock was shifted from the senior men’s singles to junior coach at the end of 2024.
The change did not work in Jun Hao’s favour as he struggled for form last year under singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen, who joined BAM a year ago.
Getting off on the right foot in the home Open has given the 2017 Asian Junior champion a lift.
“Towards the end of last year, my form was not good. So, starting with a win this year has given me some confidence,” said Jun Hao. “It was a tough match. I was trailing in the second game but managed to come back and win.
“I feel happy as Chinese players are not easy to overcome. Winning in straight games is very satisfying.”
Jun Hao has reached the second round in the Malaysian Open after losing in his opening match in his debut last year.
He will next face Indonesia’s world No. 4 Jonatan Christie.
Jun Hao hopes to keep his run going.
“I hope I can play with confidence and be consistent in the next round,” said Jun Hao.
