PETALING JAYA: Istora Senayan in Jakarta is a unique venue on the badminton tour calendar, often pushing players to their limits in their quest to perform at the highest level.
As such, it will be an ideal stage for Justin Hoh (pic) to test his mental resilience against a hostile home crowd when he makes his Indonesian Masters debut this week.
Drawing from his own experience, national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen wants Justin to savour every moment on court, while at the same time ensuring that the excitement does not overwhelm him or work against his game.
“Justin needs to enjoy those moments when the crowd is excited, but he must also control the rhythm of the game and be the more aggressive of the two. Let’s see how it plays out,” said Jonassen.
Justin is scheduled to face world No. 29 Wang Zhengxing in the first round today.
Although Zhengxing is ranked 10 places higher, the Kuala Lumpur-born shuttler has the upper hand in their head to head, having beaten the Chinese player in their first meeting in the opening round of last year’s Korea Open.
“I think it is an interesting match for Justin and a good opportunity for him to show what he has learned over the last five to six weeks. Against this Chinese player, who is very skilful, you cannot play to his rhythm.
“I believe it will be the first time for both of them playing at Istora Senayan, which in itself is an experience.
“The player who deals best with the environment there, the draft and the crowd, will have the biggest success. You need to cherish it. It is unique, like playing at home at the Malaysian Open.’’
Last week in New Delhi, Justin bowed out in the opening round of his first tournament of the year after going down to another Chinese shuttler, Lu Guangzu.
