Jun Hao upbeat despite feeling the pressure

shuttler Leong Jun Hao is already feeling the heat ahead of Malaysia’s tough opening tie against Japan in the Asian Games men’s badminton team event on Sunday.

In the absence of former World No 1 Lee Chong Wei, who withdrew due to illness, the 2017 Asian junior champion, admitted to feeling the pressure, since the onus will be on him to deliver as the team’s third singles in the knockout stage.

However, the 19-year-old shuttler is ready to take to court, confident with his form and preparation prior to the Games.

“There is tremendous pressure on me to perform since I will be the third singles, but I will give everything I have.

“I have prepared well for this tournament, and I want to do my best for my country,” said Jun Hao yesterday, after the draw ceremony.

Top seeds China, hosts Indonesia, and Taiwan are already through to the quarter-finals after receiving first round byes.

Malaysia, who have yet to win the team gold since the sport was introduced in 1962 (Jakarta), will likely field independent shuttler Liew Daren as the first singles, 2016 Rio Olympic Games silver medalists Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong, Lee Zii Jia and national No 2 men’s doubles Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi for the opening fixture at the Istora Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

Malaysia’s best result in the team event was finishing second to hosts China at the 1990 Beijing edition.