PETALING JAYA: National men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao (pic) remains determined to overcome his difficult run of form and is refusing to let criticism distract him from his goal of returning to his best.
The 26-year-old admitted that his performance in the past six months has fallen short of his expectations, but remains confident he can turn things around before the year ends.
Jun Hao said he would rather focus on improving himself than let negative remarks or external pressure get the better of him.
“Overall, the first half of the year hasn’t been the best for me.
‘‘But there’s still half a year left, so I hope to get better,” said Jun Hao.
“I’m just focused on myself and not what others have to say. Just keeping my focus on training and what I can do.”
Jun Hao had previously come under scrutiny after being named among players who had disciplinary issues within the national team.
The world No. 26 has struggled this year, having not made it past the second round in any tournament, but showed encouraging progress at the Indonesian Open despite falling to France’s world No. 8 Alex Lanier.
“I’m just trying to get myself back to my best form. I know it’s not something that is easy but I have to try to get there,” said Jun Hao.
Jun Hao is now preparing for the Japan Open from July 14-19 in Tokyo, followed by the China Open in Changzhou (July 21-27).
“My training and preparations have been going normally. I don’t have any specific targets, but I just want to be consistent.
“I won’t be competing for almost a month, so it’s important to keep training as usual,” he added.
Meanwhile, in the Australian Open, which ended yesterday, Indonesian men’s singles shuttler Alwi Farhan silenced his critics in emphatic fashion to lift the Australian Open title in Sydney.
The world No. 13 Alwi defeated world No. 73 Dong Tianyao of China 21-13, 21-13 at the Quaycentre in Sydney.
It was his second Super 500 title following his Indonesian Masters win in January.
The 21-year-old admitted the win made up for his disappointment of losing to Alex Lanier during the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, in May, that led to Indonesia’s 1-4 collapse against France, and exit from the group stage for the first time.
“I feel incredibly happy to win because the past few months have been incredibly difficult for me since the Thomas Cup,” said Alwi to the All-Indonesia Badminton Association (PBSI).
“But I’m grateful for everyone who supported me and continued to do so, even those who had criticised me. I won’t give up and will always work hard to improve.”
