PETALING JAYA: The disciplinary controversy surrounding men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao appears to have taken a toll after he crashed out in the first round of the Malaysian Masters yesterday.
Competing at the Unifi Arena in Bukit Jalil, Jun Hao put up a spirited fight against China’s Hu Zhean before going down 19-21, 21-23 in 54 minutes.
The defeat was a bitter blow for the world No. 25, especially against an opponent ranked No. 69. Jun Hao said he had given his best on court but felt Hu Zhean was sharper in the crucial moments.
He also admitted that the criticism directed at him had affected his preparations after Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei accused him of disciplinary issues and skipping training sessions just 48 hours before the Malaysian Masters began.
“If I say it didn’t affect me, that would not be true. But for me, I still tried to stay focused,” said Jun Hao.
“I think towards the end, there were a few moments where I was not calm enough. A few times I gave my best, but he (Hu Zhean) kept coming back. That made it hard for me to get through those crucial points.”
Meanwhile, Justin Hoh was unable to make the most of facing Indonesia’s Anthony Ginting, who is still working his way back after injury, and lost 16-21, 14-21.
Justin admitted that he and the other men’s singles players in the national squad have come under criticism following a string of disappointing performances, but said he was taking it as part of the learning process.
“I think my opponent played really well today. Everyone knows he is a very experienced player, and this was also my first time playing against him. I was not very comfortable because he is such an experienced player.
“I think it’s a good process for me because I have been playing against higher-ranked opponents, top 10 and top 20 players. I’m not the type to feel down just because I lose. I just want to keep fighting,” said Justin.
The defeat also marked the end of Malaysia’s men’s singles challenge in the Malaysian Masters, matching last year’s disappointing first-round exits.
The last time the country had a men’s singles player make a deep run was in 2024, when Lee Zii Jia finished runner-up after losing to Viktor Axelsen in the final.
