PETALING JAYA: Leong Jun Hao has beaten top player Kodai Naraoka five times in their last seven outings - but his latest victory over the Japanese shuttler felt a lot sweeter.
The win at the Indonesian Open came at just the right time, after a difficult few months when after disciplinary issues had cast a shadow over his status as Malaysia’s top men’s singles player.
After easing past Naraoka 21-17, 21-17 in 50 minutes to advance to the second round at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta on Tuesday, Jun Hao credited his win to having faith in his own abilities.
“I just believed in my myself and match, and that I would do well.
“It’s been quite a long time since I had a good match like this and I am happy to have got the win,” said Jun Hao in a post-match interview with the BWF.
The victory also ended a first round jinx for Jun Hao. The last time he progressed beyond the opening round of a tournament was at the All-England in March.
The former Asian junior champion admitted that the past few months had been difficult for him and he had been unable to focus during training.
In May, he was warned by BAM to improve his discipline or risk being dropped from the national squad.
However, yesterday’s victory has given him a timely boost ahead of his second-round clash against either defending champion Anders Antonsen of Denmark or reigning Singapore Open champion Alex Lanier of France.
“It has been a difficult time for me in the past few months. This win gives me more confidence and I hope to stay consistent in the coming matches,” he said.
