PETALING JAYA: Conditions at the Palais des Sports may be on the quicker side, but national men’s singles shuttler Justin Hoh is keeping things in his perspective as he begins his campaign at the Orleans Masters today.
The world No. 38 believes the fast shuttle speed does not necessarily favour his style of play ahead of his opening-round clash with Taiwan’s world No. 20 Chi Yu-jen.
While the Taiwanese holds the edge in the world rankings, their head-to-head record is evenly poised at 1-1.
Justin claimed victory in their first meeting at the Kaohsiung Masters while Yu-jen triumphed at the Malaysia Super 100 in 2024.
“The court here is fine, but the shuttle speed is a bit fast,” said Justin, who will be turning 22 next month.
“However, I don’t think this kind of condition gives me an advantage as my opponent is very experienced.
“Looking at the world rankings, he is ranked higher than me, so I will go in with a humble approach.
“After all, he is very experienced, so I will just try my best to challenge him.”
Justin has yet to make a major breakthrough on the World Tour this season, following his runner-up finish at the Macau Open last August.
Nevertheless, he is not burdening himself with expectations heading into the tournament.
“I don’t have a specific target,” said Justin.
“I just hope I can play well in every match and give it my all.”
