PETALING JAYA: The opening round of the World Championships at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Monday (Aug 17) was a timely reminder for national men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao that no opponent can be taken lightly, even those from countries with little badminton pedigree.
Brazil may be better known for football, but world No. 66 Jonathan Matias showed that he was no pushover after making Jun Hao work hard for his victory.
In the end, Jun Hao’s greater experience proved decisive as he kept his composure to secure a 21-19, 21-15 win in 46 minutes and book his place in the second round.
Jun Hao admitted Matias had given him a stern test and was relieved to come through the match in straight games.
Matias, for the record, won bronze at the Pan American Championships in Lima, Peru, in April.
“I feel good to get the win today.
“It was also my first match and it wasn’t easy. He kept coming back at me and put me under pressure with his shots. I’m happy that I managed to overcome that and win.
“He is definitely a quality opponent,” said Jun Hao in a post-match interview with the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
Although it was far from a convincing win, it was still an important one for Jun Hao as he looks to build confidence ahead of a second round clash against China’s eighth seed Li Shifeng on Wednesday.
Jun Hao will be hoping to go one step further this time after his World Championships debut in Paris last year ended in the second round at the hands of Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto.
“I’m satisfied with my first match. I’m looking forward to the next one and hopefully I can play better,” he added.
Jun Hao will have a day off today, while compatriot Justin Hoh will be hoping to join him in the second round when he takes to the court.
Justin, however, faces a tough opening test against Taiwan’s reigning All-England champion Lin Chun-yi.
