The 2025 China Open was expected to be a battleground for some of the world’s best shuttlers, and it didn’t disappoint. Amidst the flurry of headline matches and stunning performances, one of the more compelling narratives came from Malaysia’s rising talent, Leong Jun Hao. The 25-year-old had entered the tournament as a dark horse, stringing together a series of impressive victories that had fans daring to hope for a deep run. But his inspiring journey came to a halt in the quarterfinals, where he faced the reigning world champion, Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand.
In a match that showcased both talent and tenacity, Kunlavut displayed the form that earned him the world title in 2023, defeating Jun Hao in straight sets: 21-17, 21-13. While the result may seem definitive on paper, the match was far more competitive than the scoreline suggests, with the Malaysian putting up fierce resistance in extended rallies and challenging the Thai star on multiple fronts.
For Jun Hao, it was a tough yet respectable exit. For Kunlavut, it was another step in his steady march toward claiming his first China Open crown. And for fans, it was a spectacle that combined technical brilliance, strategic mastery, and sheer athletic grit.
Rising Star Meets Established Force
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The Build-Up
Heading into the match, expectations were high for Kunlavut, who had been seeded third and was widely regarded as one of the tournament favorites. With his signature court coverage, deceptive strokes, and icy composure, Kunlavut had cruised through earlier rounds, dispatching Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto and India’s Lakshya Sen with minimal fuss.
Jun Hao, meanwhile, was making waves of his own. Unseeded and relatively under the radar, he had upset China’s Lu Guangzu in the Round of 32 and then followed that up with a gritty three-game win over Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke. His path to the quarterfinals had already exceeded many expectations, and Malaysian fans were quick to rally behind him.
The match against Kunlavut, however, was always going to be the true test—a chance to measure Jun Hao’s progress against one of the world’s elite.
Match Summary A Battle of Skill and Strategy
From the very first rally, it was clear that this would be a high-intensity affair. Kunlavut took control of the early exchanges with his trademark deceptive drop shots and sudden changes in pace. Jun Hao responded in kind, refusing to retreat and countering with precise smashes and aggressive net play.
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First Game Close But Not Enough
The first game saw both players locked in a tight contest up to the mid-game interval. Jun Hao played aggressively, pushing Kunlavut to the backcourt and exploiting any gaps in coverage. At one point, he led 13-11, much to the delight of the Malaysian crowd.
However, the world champion soon found his rhythm. Kunlavut began to vary his tempo, mixing soft net kills with high clears that forced Jun Hao into awkward positions. A series of unforced errors from the Malaysian allowed Kunlavut to reclaim the lead and eventually close out the game 21-17.
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Second Game Kunlavut Turns Up the Heat
The second game saw a more assertive Kunlavut take control. He tightened his defense, reduced his error count, and began to dominate rallies with quick transitions from defense to offense. Jun Hao, despite his best efforts, struggled to find consistent attacking angles.
A five-point run after the interval proved decisive. Kunlavut surged ahead 17-11 and never looked back. He wrapped up the game 21-13 with a trademark crosscourt drop that left Jun Hao scrambling.
Despite the loss, Jun Hao walked off the court with his head held high, having demonstrated once again that he belongs on the big stage.
Post-Match Reactions
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Kunlavut Vitidsarn
Speaking to reporters after the match, Kunlavut praised his opponent’s tenacity:
“Jun Hao is improving every tournament. He has good speed and control. I had to stay focused throughout. Today, my strategy was to be patient and wait for the right openings.”
The Thai ace, still just 24, is eyeing his first title in China and seems laser-focused on the prize. With the Olympic cycle in full swing, every tournament is an opportunity to solidify his status as the world’s top men’s singles player.
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Leong Jun Hao
For Jun Hao, the tone was reflective but hopeful.
“I knew it would be tough against Kunlavut. He’s smart, and he makes you work for every point. But I’m proud of how I fought. There are still gaps in my game, but I’m closing them, step by step.”
He added that reaching the quarterfinals was a valuable experience and that he’ll take the positives into upcoming tournaments.
Jun Hao’s Journey A Player on the Rise
It wasn’t long ago that Leong Jun Hao was seen as a junior prodigy, capturing the silver medal at the 2017 World Junior Championships. However, injuries and inconsistency plagued his early senior career, causing him to fall behind peers like Lee Zii Jia.
But the past 18 months have marked a turnaround. Under the guidance of coaches at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), Jun Hao has rebuilt his game—and his confidence.
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Improvements Noted
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- Shot Selection: Jun Hao is now more selective and strategic in his attack, avoiding the rash decisions that once cost him matches.
- Stamina & Fitness: Long rallies no longer seem to wear him down as easily. His physical conditioning has visibly improved.
- Mental Toughness: He’s shown resilience in close matches, coming back from deficits and holding his nerve in deciding games.
His performance at the China Open is the latest proof that he’s no longer just a promising name—he’s a legitimate contender.
The Bigger Picture Malaysian Badminton’s Changing Landscape
With Lee Zii Jia still leading the charge in men’s singles, and Ng Tze Yong battling injuries and inconsistency, Jun Hao’s emergence is a timely boost for Malaysia’s badminton program.
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A Widening Pool
Malaysia has long struggled to cultivate depth in the men’s singles department. The emergence of Jun Hao, alongside younger players like Justin Hoh and Aidil Sholeh, suggests that the future might be brighter than many expected.
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Support from BAM
The Badminton Association of Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing talent beyond the top-ranked stars. With Jun Hao making waves, there’s growing optimism that Malaysia can once again become a multi-threat nation in men’s singles, not just a one-man show.
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