Malaysia’s men’s badminton team received a major boost at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games after national No.1 singles player Leong Jun Hao pulled off a stunning upset against world No.1 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia.
Ranked 33rd in the world, Jun Hao fought back from losing the opening game to defeat Christie 20-22, 21-12, 21-17 in a thrilling encounter at Ichinomiya City Gymnasium.
The victory gave Malaysia its first point in the men’s team tie and marked Jun Hao’s latest win over the Indonesian star, improving his head-to-head record to 3-6. His previous victory came in the second round of last year’s Singapore Open.
Jun Hao’s upset has kept Malaysia’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive, with either Taiwan or Thailand potentially waiting in tomorrow’s semi-final should the national team overcome Indonesia.
However, Malaysia must now rely on its doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani to deliver the second point when they face Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Shohibul Fikri in the second match.
National No.2 singles player Justin Hoh will then take on Alwi Farhan in the third match, with a victory potentially putting Malaysia within reach of a semi-final berth.
Should the tie remain undecided, Malaysia will have two further opportunities to secure the crucial points through Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun in the fourth match and young singles player Eogene Ewe in the fifth.
Jun Hao’s upset has therefore put Malaysia within striking distance, but the national team still needs to finish the job against Indonesia to keep its medal hopes alive.
