Malaysia finally had reason to cheer in the men’s singles at the Malaysia Open, as Leong Jun Hao delivered a timely performance to secure a straight-games victory over China’s Wang Zheng Xing. The world No. 28 defeated his close-ranking opponent, world No. 29 Zheng Xing, 21-17, 21-17 at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, marking the first win by a Malaysian male singles player at the tournament in three years.
The victory was not just a personal milestone for Jun Hao but also ended a worrying trend for Malaysia in men’s singles since Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei’s legendary run. After Lee lifted his 12th and final Malaysia Open crown in 2018, no Malaysian man had reached the quarter-finals, and recent editions had been especially barren. In 2024 and 2025, not a single local male competitor managed to progress past the opening round, leaving fans frustrated and the home contingent searching for answers.
Breaking the Cycle of Disappointment
Jun Hao’s win prevented a third consecutive wipeout for Malaysia in the men’s singles category following Lee Zii Jia’s unexpected first-round exit against India’s world No. 32 Ayush Shetty on Tuesday. The home crowd, starved of local success in recent years, finally had something to celebrate.
“This was an important match for me, especially after not finishing last season as well as I hoped,” Jun Hao said after the game. “It was quite tough, especially in the second game when I was trailing and had to chase back. Winning in straight games feels really good and gives me confidence. Starting the year with a win is crucial, and I hope I can carry this momentum forward.”
From a performance perspective, beating Zheng Xing carried extra significance. The Chinese player had been a surprise runner-up at the China Open last year, demonstrating the quality of opponent Jun Hao overcame. The Malaysian’s composed play, tactical shot selection, and patience under pressure reflected a maturity that had been missing in his late-season form last year.
A Renewed Approach and Home Advantage
Jun Hao has recently reverted to a more Asian-centric training methodology after experimenting with European styles. He believes the adjustment has been key to restoring his rhythm and confidence on court. “I didn’t have a long time to adjust, but now that I’m back training here in Malaysia, I feel like I’m starting to get my game back. There’s still more to improve, but it’s moving in the right direction,” he explained.
The Axiata Arena crowd played a pivotal role in boosting his morale. “The support really helped. You can feel the energy from the stands, and it definitely lifts your spirits,” Jun Hao added.
Wednesday’s match also marked a nostalgic reunion for Jun Hao, as his former coach, Datuk Tey Seu Bock, returned to courtside duties. “It was the first time he was back with me today. It felt different — in a good way. He knows my style very well and understands my game, so in some situations, he knows exactly what I need,” Jun Hao said. The presence of a familiar mentor helped enhance his confidence during tight exchanges and pivotal points.
Eyes on a Tough Second Round
The road ahead, however, is far from easy. Jun Hao will face either Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie or Taiwan’s Lee Chia Hao in the second round. Both opponents are formidable, and Jun Hao is under no illusion about the challenge. “Whoever I meet, it won’t be easy. I just need to prepare well and stay focused,” he said. Analysts agree that these matchups will test his tactical awareness, footwork, and ability to sustain long rallies under pressure.
For Malaysian fans, Jun Hao’s performance brings hope that the nation may finally see a return to competitive form in men’s singles. The combination of home-court advantage, improved training, and renewed mental resilience sets the stage for a promising tournament. His performance also signals that Malaysia’s next generation of male singles players may finally start bridging the gap left by Lee Chong Wei’s retirement.
A Win for Confidence and Momentum
Beyond the immediate result, Jun Hao’s victory is a statement of intent. It showcases his ability to handle pressure, maintain focus, and produce high-quality badminton against a tough opponent. More importantly, it may mark a turning point in his career, as he seeks to build consistency and challenge the world’s top players throughout the season.
“Winning here gives me confidence, especially after a challenging end to last season. It’s important to start the year well, and I hope this performance will help me face the next matches with more consistency and belief in my abilities,” he said.
As the Malaysia Open continues, all eyes will be on Jun Hao and his pursuit of breaking Malaysia’s long-standing drought in men’s singles. With the right combination of preparation, focus, and crowd support, the young shuttler could become a beacon of hope for Malaysian badminton fans craving success in the sport’s marquee home event.
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