National men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao snapped his run of first-round exits with a straight-games victory at the Malaysia Open today, the opening tournament of the 2026 World Tour season.
The world No. 28 defeated China’s Wang Zheng Xing 21-17, 21-17 in a 48-minute match at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
The win was a timely breakthrough for Jun Hao, who suffered first-round defeats in 11 tournaments last year.
He is now the only Malaysian remaining in the men’s singles draw after Lee Zii Jia exited in the first round yesterday, losing to an Indian opponent. Malaysia has no representatives in the women’s singles category.
In mixed doubles, national pair Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai progressed to the second round after overcoming Taiwan’s Wu Guan Xun and Lee Chia Hsin 15-21, 21-19, 21-14 in 55 minutes.
The Malaysians will next face American duo Presley Smith and Jennie Gai, who defeated India’s Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto in straight games.
