Jun Hao, Letshanaa to train with Vikings ahead of worlds
The national squad will spar with Denmark's top players before heading to Paris for the World Championships from Aug 25-31.
National coaching director Kenneth Jonassen has welcomed the invitation from Badminton Denmark, believing the exposure will benefit men's singles players Leong Jun Hao (world No. 26), Justin Hoh (No. 45), and women's singles hopeful K. Letshanaa (No. 42).
"It's a great opportunity to experience a different training environment," said Jonassen at Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) on Tuesday.
"It'll also help our players adapt to the European conditions before the big event. It's a win-win situation and we're grateful for this chance."
Jun Hao and Justin will get valuable match practice against Danish world No. 30 Rasmus Gemke, as well as Mads Christophersen (No. 65) and Magnus Johannesen (No. 73).
Top Danish stars Anders Antonsen (No. 3) and Viktor Axelsen (No. 8) are not part of the national team set-up, but could still join the training sessions.
"I don't have the confirmed list, but Denmark have plenty of top players — it's a good chance for us to train in a new environment," said Jonassen.
Jun Hao and Letshanaa will both be making their World Championships debuts and will be joined by regulars Lee Zii Jia (No. 33) and Goh Jin Wei (No. 45).
Letshanaa is expected to gain the most from the stint, with sparring opportunities against world-class Danish shuttlers such as world No. 19 Line Kjaersfeldt, Mia Blichfeldt (No. 26), Julie Dawall Jakobsen (No. 30), and Line Christophersen (No. 32).
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