No clean bill of health for Jun Hao as he’s sidelined again

PETALING JAYA: Former Asian junior champion Leong Jun Hao has been ruled out for another three months due to a hip injury.

The 19-year-old was injured during his first-round defeat at the Taiwan Open in early October but hoped to make a competitive return next month. However, the injury is worse than he had expected.

“I’ve started light workouts at the gym and light skill training on court. I’ve gone through rehabilitation and the pain is lesser now,” said Jun Hao.

“But I did not receive a clean bill of health. The doctor told me that I’ll be out for another three months or even longer.”

The prolonged break from competition will see Jun Hao slip further from his current No. 77 ranking in the world.

He won’t be able to defend the points earned from his career-best runner-up finish at the Thailand Masters, which serves as the season-opener for the 2019 World Tour in January.

Jun Hao entered 2018 as the world No. 215 and his fine outing in Bangkok lifted him to No. 122 within the first two weeks of the year.

He went on to win the Finnish Open – his first senior title – to move up to No. 66 in April.

Jun Hao also made the team for the Thomas Cup Finals in May and the Asian Games in August, although he played little part in the two major competitions.

His injury has also hampered his fine run.

“I’m really frustrated after working really hard to push myself up. I was not far from reaching my top-50 target before my injury,” he said.

“I’ve to tread with caution and not rush my comeback.

“I’ll take it slow as I don’t want to affect my career in the future.”

In Jun Hao’s absence, others from his batch such as Lee Zii Jia (men’s singles), Aaron Chia-Soh Woo Yik (men’s doubles) and Yap Cheng Wen (women’s doubles) have impressed on the international stage.

“I’m happy to see them riding high for Malaysia. I hope to join them when I return from my injury,” added the determined Jun Hao.