Leong Jun Hao. - AFP
PETALING JAYA: It was not due to illness but an internal issue that forced Malaysia’s top men’s singles player Leong Jun Hao to withdraw from this week’s Indonesian Masters.
National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen revealed that Jun Hao had been struggling to perform at his best, not only on match days but also during training sessions.
The Dane dismissed speculation that an injury or fever led to the withdrawal but admitted the situation was a cause for concern.
"I do not really want to go into detail but it had nothing to do with illness. He was dealing with a few issues, body issues. I would not call them injuries but issues that did not allow him to push properly in training," said Jonassen.
"When you go to a World Tour 500 event and play top players, you need to be able to perform at your highest level, or at the very least ensure you are not risking aggravating smaller issues that could turn into something bigger.
"That was the consideration, and it was a decision agreed with Jun Hao as well."
As a result, a rehabilitation programme has been arranged for Jun Hao to ensure he returns in top condition ahead of the European tour, which begins at the end of next month.
"I think one of the reasons we made this decision was to minimise the loss of time. So we put him through a rehab programme this week, with a strong focus on strengthening his physical condition.
"We are already thinking ahead to the European tournaments, with the main focus of course being the All-England," he added.
Jun Hao was initially drawn to face South Korea’s Jeon Hyeok-jin in the first round of the Indonesian Masters, but the Korean player has also withdrawn.
In Jun Hao’s absence, Malaysia will rely on Justin Hoh and Lee Zii Jia in the men’s singles.
Justin is set to take on China's Wang Zhengxing, an opponent he defeated at last year’s Korea Open, while Zii Jia is chasing his first victory in 14 months against HS Prannoy.
