The 2025 Swiss Open in Basel, Switzerland, has delivered no shortage of surprises, but perhaps none more significant for Malaysian badminton fans than Leong Jun Hao’s breakthrough. Emerging from a cloud of early exits, the 24-year-old shuttler finally broke free from the shackles of repeated first-round defeats to reach the last-16 of a prestigious BWF tournament. This promising resurgence coincided with an unfortunate absence from Malaysia’s top-ranked player, Lee Zii Jia, who pulled out of the tournament due to a lingering ankle injury.
A Long-Awaited Turnaround
For Leong Jun Hao, the journey to the second round of the Swiss Open has been nothing short of a mental and physical test. Before this tournament, the world number 26 had suffered first-round eliminations in four of his last five appearances. Each exit mounted pressure and cast doubt on his ability to compete at the highest level. However, in Basel, he showcased composure, technical proficiency, and a renewed mindset that helped him power through a tricky first-round clash.
Facing Japan’s Koo Takahashi, an unheralded yet spirited player, Jun Hao was locked in a tight contest. The first game saw multiple lead changes before Jun Hao sealed it 21-19. The second game, equally intense, demanded maximum concentration. With the crowd at St. Jakobshalle cheering on, Jun Hao edged past his opponent 22-20 in just under an hour.
“This win means a lot to me,” Jun Hao said post-match. “I’ve been working on my confidence and focus, and I’m glad I could finally break the pattern of early exits. It’s a small step forward, but a meaningful one.”
Redemption Through Growth
What makes Jun Hao’s performance more commendable is the visible growth in his gameplay. His footwork looked sharper, his defense more resilient, and his shot selection more mature. Under the guidance of Malaysia’s national coaches and mental conditioning experts, he has been focusing on becoming more well-rounded rather than relying solely on offensive strokes.
Notably, Jun Hao’s victory also reflects a mental transformation. In the past, narrow game margins often saw him falter under pressure. Against Takahashi, he held his nerve in the crucial moments, converting game points without allowing his opponent to gain momentum.
His next challenge would be Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto, a top-20 player known for his stamina and strategic prowess. Though Jun Hao eventually fell in a hard-fought three-game battle lasting over 90 minutes, his performance drew praise for its tenacity.
Lee Zii Jia’s Absence A Missed Opportunity
While Jun Hao was making headlines for the right reasons, Lee Zii Jia was notably absent from the tournament. The world number 10 cited a right ankle injury that has flared up intermittently over the past season. Team LZJ, in an official statement, explained the decision to withdraw was made to avoid aggravating the injury further with bigger tournaments looming on the calendar.
Lee’s absence was a blow not just for Malaysian fans but also for the tournament’s competitive allure. The Swiss Open had served as a happy hunting ground for him in past years, and expectations were high for another deep run. His withdrawal shifted some spotlight onto his teammates, particularly Jun Hao, who stepped up in a way few anticipated.
Injury woes have plagued Zii Jia’s 2025 season. After a promising start in the early months, he has struggled with consistency, often battling pain and adjusting his gameplay to protect his ankle. With major events like the Badminton Asia Championships and Olympic qualifiers on the horizon, ensuring full recovery is critical.
A Chance for the Next Generation
With Lee Zii Jia sidelined, the Swiss Open became an opportunity for Malaysia’s rising stars to stake their claim. Besides Jun Hao, young shuttlers like Justin Hoh were also in action. While Hoh didn’t progress far in the draw, the experience of competing on a high-profile stage like Basel adds invaluable exposure.
Jun Hao’s progress particularly resonated with Malaysian fans who have long yearned for a successor to the likes of Lee Chong Wei. Though comparisons may be premature, Jun Hao’s poise under pressure and technical evolution hint at his potential to become a mainstay in the international badminton circuit.
Building Momentum for the Future
The breakthrough in Switzerland might just be the catalyst Jun Hao needs to build sustained momentum. The BWF calendar is packed with opportunities—India Open, Malaysian Masters, and the Indonesia Open await. If Jun Hao can replicate his Swiss Open form and sharpen his consistency, he could steadily climb into the top 20.
Importantly, the Swiss Open proved to Jun Hao—and the world—that he can compete beyond the first hurdle. This mental edge, perhaps more than any technical tweak, could define the trajectory of his career. Speaking to local reporters upon his return to Kuala Lumpur, Jun Hao remained grounded:
“There’s still a lot of work to do. I want to keep improving, game by game. My goal is not just to make it to the second round, but to eventually be a serious contender in every tournament I enter.”
Lee Zii Jia’s Road to Recovery
For Lee Zii Jia, the priority remains rehabilitation. Reports from Team LZJ suggest a structured recovery plan involving physiotherapy, strength conditioning, and modified training. Though the setback is frustrating, the team is optimistic about his return.
Zii Jia has endured a rollercoaster career—flashes of brilliance interspersed with inconsistency. Injuries have often interrupted his rhythm. But when fully fit, he remains one of the most explosive and entertaining players on tour. The coming months will be crucial, especially with the Olympic cycle reaching its critical phase.
Fans and officials alike hope that Lee’s withdrawal from Basel is a short-term setback rather than a lingering concern. His presence on the court remains a vital piece in Malaysia’s pursuit of international badminton glory.
National Implications and Support
Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Ministry has emphasized the importance of nurturing upcoming talents while maintaining support for established stars like Lee Zii Jia. Minister Hannah Yeoh has previously stressed the need for early preparation and a growth mindset among athletes—a sentiment echoed in Jun Hao’s recent performances.
The BAM (Badminton Association of Malaysia) is reportedly exploring avenues to provide more international exposure for players like Jun Hao, Hoh, and others. With the Paris 2024 Olympics looming and a need to bolster depth in the national team, every match and tournament becomes a step in that broader journey.
The Mental Game Jun Hao’s Inner Transformation
Perhaps the most underappreciated element of Jun Hao’s resurgence is the mental fortitude he displayed. After repeated early exits, many players would struggle to regain confidence. Jun Hao, however, appears to have adopted a mindset shift—one rooted in perseverance, positivity, and trust in the process.
His partnership with mental trainers has been instrumental. Regular mindfulness sessions, visualization techniques, and emotional regulation strategies have become part of his routine. This psychological preparation complemented his physical training, culminating in a composed and balanced performance in Basel.
Also Read:
- SBOTOP Shocking Swiss Exit: Malaysia’s Top Men’s Doubles Pairs Fall Early in Basel Upset
- SBOTOP: Hannah Yeoh Calls for Early Preparation and Growth Mindset After Malaysia’s Setback at All England
- SBOTOP: Shi Yuqi Rallies Past Loh Kean Yew to Set Up All-Chinese Semifinal Showdown with Li Shifeng at All England Open
