JUN HAO FAILS TO LAND WORLD JUNIOR CROWN
Hasty decision puts paid Jun Hao’s ambition to be world junior champ
PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Leong Jun Hao is ready to start anew after ending his junior career with mixed feelings.
Yesterday, the 18-year-old fell short in his bid to become the boys’ singles champion at the World Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
The Asian junior champion had Kunvalut Vitidsarn of Thailand by the jugular before losing 21-17, 15-21, 9-21 in the 65-minute final.
Jun Hao pulled off a brilliant opener and was looking good for the title when he led 11-7 in the second game.
But in a surprise move, he switched his game plan. He started to play aggressively in his eagerness to win. The strategy backfired as he ended up misfiring his shots.
Kunvalut took advantage to force a rubber. Brimming with renewed confidence, he easily won the decider to become the first Thai to win the world boys’ singles title.
Jun Hao was disappointed he was unable to end Malaysia’s drought in the event. Malaysia last won the boys’ singles title through Zulfadli Zulkiffli in 2011.
“It should not have ended this way,” bemoaned Jun Hao, who had beaten the Thai at the Asian Junior Championships in Indonesia in July and Granular-Pay Paid Junior Open in Thailand last year.
“I was doing just fine but my mind went blank after taking 11 points in the second game. I wanted to win badly.
“So, I tried to change my game plan but it didn’t work.
“But overall, I’ve had a good junior career. I’ve learnt a lot.
“Now, I’m looking forward to my senior career. I’ll work harder to be a successful players,” added Jun Hao, who will be under the wings of head coach Datuk Misbun Sidek.
Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) singles coach Kwan Yoke Meng hoped that the talented Jun Hao would be given the right guidance in the national senior team.
“It’s unfortunate that he could not contain himself in his eagerness to win,” said Yoke Meng.
“He has a bright future. He’s a thinking player and does not rely on his physical strength alone. With more exposure, experience and guidance, Jun Hao can go far. I wish him all the best,” he added.
It should not have ended this way. I was doing just fine but my mind went blank after taking 11 points in the second game. I wanted to win badly.
Leong Jun Hao