PETALING JAYA: Past results matter little if current form is anything to go by.
And national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen believes Leong Jun Hao is heading in the right direction, backing the Malaysian to make progress at the World Championships in New Delhi, India, from Aug 17-23.
Although the world No. 28 has not progressed beyond the second round of any tournament this year, Jonassen believes those setbacks have been valuable learning experiences and that Jun Hao is now in the right frame of mind to deliver.
“Overall, I believe we’re in good shape going forward because there has been positive signs,” said Jonassen.
“I believe they can perform at a high level when they control their emotions, stay fit and have a good game plan.
Jun Hao and world No. 50 Justin Hoh have qualified for the world meet, and Jonassen said their improvements were the result of long-term work between all parties.
“It’s all part of a long-term process. The players, coaches, and I have had lots of discussions.
“It’s about the standard we need to put in our daily training and focus on specific details to reach at a certain level in the world.
“And it’s also maturity from the players’ side to not just accept, but embrace the changes that need to happen from within,” said Jonassen.
Jonassen added that the biggest shift has come from the players recognising that they must take responsibility for their own development.
“When a player comes to the conclusion that they need to adjust and that the world is not changing according to them, it’s a hard lesson.
“We cannot change the level of play in the world, so we must find a way to reach that level and compete,” added the Dane.
At last year’s world championships edition, Jun Hao reached the second round before losing to Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto, while Justin will be making his debut this year.
