FEW would have expected Leong Jun Hao, who was publicly criticised and faced disciplinary issues four months ago, to come so close to emerging as Malaysia’s hero on his Asian Games debut yesterday.
The Kuala Lumpur-born shuttler upset world No. 1 Jonatan Christie 21-17, 21-19 to give Malaysia the perfect start against Indonesia at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium in Aichi.
Malaysia eventually went down 2-3 and missed out on at least a bronze medal in the men’s team event, but Jun Hao’s performance was one of the bright spots from the defeat.
His win over Jonatan also brought back memories of why he had once earned a reputation as a team event specialist, particularly against higher-ranked opponents.
Jun Hao also appeared more comfortable carrying the responsibility as Malaysia’s first singles compared to his outing with the national team at the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens in April.
Jun Hao had previously faced criticism from fans over his poor performances, while BAM performance committee chairman Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei had also warned him over disciplinary issues.
He now has the chance to show that the victory was no one-off when the individual event begins on Friday.
Jun Hao will only know his opponent and possible route through the competition when the draw is held tomorrow after the conclusion of the team event.
After Jun Hao gave Malaysia the early lead, Indonesia hit back through Fajar Alfian-Shohibul Fikri, who beat Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani 21-15, 19-21, 21-10 to level the score at 1-1.
Justin Hoh then had a chance to put Malaysia back in front, but he went down 19-21, 19-21 to Alwi Farhan.
With Malaysia trailing 1-2, scratch pair Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun kept their hopes alive by coming from behind to beat Leo Rolly-Daniel Marthin 17-21, 21-16, 21-13 and forced a deciding fifth match.
Eogene Ewe, however, was unable to complete the comeback, losing 11-21, 11-21 to Moh Zaki Ubaidillah in the third singles.
QUARTER-FINALS
Team
Men: Indonesia bt Malaysia 3-2 (Jonatan Christie lost to Leong Jun Hao 22-20, 12-21, 17-21; Fajar Alfian-Shohibul Fikri bt Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani 21-15, 19-21, 21-10; Alwi Farhan bt Justin Hoh 21-19, 21-19; Leo Rolly-Daniel Marthin lost to Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun 21-17, 16-21, 13-21; Moh Zaki Ubaidillah bt Eogene Ewe 21-11, 21-11); India bt Japan 3-0; Thailand bt Taiwan 3-1; China bt South Korea 3-2.
Women: South Korea bt Malaysia 3-1 (An Se-young bt K. Letshanaa 21-12, 21-8; Ha-na-Lee So-hee lost to Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah 20-22, 17-21; Kim Ga-eun bt Wong Ling Ching 21-12, 21-18; Jeong Na-eun-Kim Hye-jeong bt Cheng Su Yin-Low Zi Yu 18-21, 21-11, 24-22); China bt Thailand 3-0; Japan bt India 3-1; Indonesia bt Taiwan 3-1.
