Jun Hao gets free pass into Singapore Open second round
KUALA LUMPUR: Leong Jun Hao received a free pass today into the second round of the Singapore Open, but the real battle is just beginning for the Malaysian shuttler.
The world No. 25 received a walkover from China's Lei Lan Xi, handing him a timely boost in his quest to replicate his quarter-final finish at this Super 750 event last year.
The Singapore Open holds fond memories for Jun Hao, who stunned two-time champion Anthony Ginting en route to the last eight last year before bowing out to Denmark's Viktor Axelsen.
This week, however, comes with added pressure.
Jun Hao has not progressed beyond the last 16 in any of his seven World Tour outings so far this year and is in danger of slipping further down the rankings if he fails to deliver in Singapore.
The walkover sets up a mouthwatering second-round clash against Indonesia's world No. 5 Jonatan Christie, who overcame Ireland's Nhat Nguyen 23-21, 21-16 in his opener.
Despite the gap in rankings, Jun Hao has proved he can rise to the occasion.
He holds a 2-2 head-to-head record against Jonatan, though the Indonesian had the upper hand in their last meeting at the All England, winning 21-11, 21-19.
National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen, the 2004 Singapore Open winner himself, sees the walkover as a mixed blessing.
"I think you always take a free pass in the first round. Of course, you would like to play in the arena, but you can't get both," said Jonassen.
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