PETALING JAYA: Good preparation alone may not be enough for Leong Jun Hao (pic) as he looks to make a deep run at the World Championships from Aug 17-23.
The national men’s singles shuttler knows he may also need a little luck on his side, with his bogeyman Li Shifeng of China potentially standing in his way as early as the second round.
Jun Hao will first have to overcome Brazil’s Jonathan Matias in the opening round before a likely meeting with world No. 9 Shifeng.
The Chinese shuttler has dominated their previous meetings, winning eight of their nine encounters over the past two years.
Jun Hao, however, can take heart from the fact that his only victory over Shifeng came at last year’s India Open at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium – the same venue that will host the World Championships.
While many players may not have fond memories of the conditions at the venue, Jun Hao will be hoping it can prove to be a happy hunting ground for him once again should he face Shifeng.
“I will definitely try my best. I just have to give everything I have and try to win the match.
“He is very consistent and has a strong attacking game. To beat him, I think I need to be just as consistent,” said Jun Hao.
Jun Hao will be joined at the world meet by compatriot Justin Hoh, who will be making his debut.
Unlike Jun Hao, Justin faces a tough challenge right from the start after being drawn against Taiwan’s All-England champion Lin Chun-yi in the opening round.
Jun Hao and Justin have been preparing at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara, where the national men’s singles squad have also been training with the England team.
The England squad have been based in Malaysia for the past two weeks as part of their preparations for the World Championships.
Among them is men’s singles shuttler Harry Huang, who defeated Justin during the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens in April.
