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Jun Hao needs to be 'consistently world class'

Jun Hao needs to be 'consistently world class'

KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 25 Leong Jun Hao once again beat a top 10 shuttler at this week's Singapore Open, but fans were left wishing for something more.
And national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen wants to see consistency from him.
Jun Hao toppled Indonesia's world No. 5 Jonatan Christie 21-16, 21-19, but fell to Thailand's world No. 2 Kunlavut Vittidsarn 21-13, 21-11 in the quarter-finals.
"Beating a top player is very important and at the same time, qualifying for a quarter-final in a World Tour 750 event gives him the opportunity to play another world-class player, Kunlavut," said Jonassen.
"I believe consistency is the area which needs to be improved on. This ability to slightly adjust to another opponent with different strengths and weaknesses will help Jun Hao progress."
Jun Hao, who received a walkover from China's world No. 27 Lei Lan Xi in the Singapore Open first round, upstaged Jonatan for the third time in five meetings.
Jonassen commended Jun Hao for overcoming a slow start to deal with an aggressive Jonatan who recently turned professional.
"I am truly happy with his performance and was surprised with the way he approached the game against Jonatan," said Jonassen.
"I liked the aggression, his playing style and the attitude on court, but at the same time, showed the patience that was needed. And he took the opportunity."
Last November, Jun Hao beat a string of world's top 20 players — India's Lakshya Sen (No. 17), Japan's Koki Watanabe (No. 14) and Kodai Naraoka (No. 8), and Jonatan before losing to China's world No. 4 Li Shi Feng in the Kumamoto Masters final in Japan.
That remains his career best result, and the quarter-final in Singapore was his best effort this year.
Badminton Mar 12, 2025 @ 3:18am
Jun Hao laments nerves, lack of patience in All England exit
Badminton May 30, 2025 @ 5:47am
Kunlavut, Jun Hao were once equals, now they're worlds apart
Badminton Feb 15, 2025 @ 5:00am
Jun Hao has what it takes to be a world beater
Badminton May 30, 2025 @ 5:07am
Jun Hao falls to world champ Kunlavut at Singapore Open
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