[UPDATED] Jun Hao bounces back after Jonassen's criticism

New Straits Times

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Shuttler Leong Jun Hao said he is "working well" with Kenneth Jonassen after his game was criticised by the national singles coaching director last week following a first-round exit at the Japan Open.
This evidently has led to Jun Hao bouncing back at the China Open today where the world No. 26 upset Japan's world No. 13 Kenta Nishimoto 21-15, 21-18 in 45 minutes at the Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium in Changzhou.
In the Japan Open, the 26-year-old Jun Hao had lost 21-12, 21-14 to France's world No. 9 Alex Lanier in straight games.
This led to Jonassen bluntly remarking that Jun Hao lacked the consistency needed to compete at the top level.
However, Jun Hao recovered impressively against Nishimoto, showing composure and control throughout the match to secure a second-round berth.
"We are working well together, but I suppose that under certain conditions I still need time to adapt to the new techniques," said Jun Hao in a post-match interview with BWF.
"When you're trying out a different playing style, it takes more time to build chemistry and get the strategy right."
Jun Hao attributed his win over Nishimoto to better shots control despite the challenging court conditions.
"I managed to control the shuttle well despite the draught at the stadium," he said.
"The conditions were tricky because the draught was quite strong."
Jun Hao will next face Thailand's world No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the second round.
"I'll focus on recovery first. I've got a full day tomorrow to rest. Then we'll work on a game plan against Kunlavut."
Meanwhile, Malaysia's world No. 53 men's doubles Choong Hon Jian-Haikal Nazri were shown the exit by Indonesia's new combination of Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Shohibul Fikri 21-11, 21-10 in 22 minutes in the first round.
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