Lee Chong Wei Praises Leong Jun Hao’s Performance At the 2024 Kumamoto Masters Japan

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Lee Chong Wei praises Leong Jun Hao's fighting spirit in the 2024 Kumamoto Masters Japan. (Photo: Lee Chong Wei's IG, BWF)
Lee Chong Wei praises Leong Jun Hao's fighting spirit in the 2024 Kumamoto Masters Japan. (Photo: Lee Chong Wei's IG, BWF)

Kumamoto: Leong Jun Hao’s outstanding performance at the 2024 Kumamoto Masters Japan has earned praise from former world number one, Lee Chong Wei!

Highlights of Leong Jun Hao vs. Li Shifeng in the 2024 Kumamoto Masters Japan final:

Ranked 31st in the world, Leong Jun Hao defeated several higher-ranked players before losing to China’s Asian Games champion Li Shifeng 10-21, 13-21 in the final. He started his “giant killer” form in the first round by beating World No. 17 Lakshya Sen of India 20-22, 21-17, 21-16 in 74 minutes, World No. 11 Koki Watanabe of Japan in second round 21-10, 16-21, 21-13 in 69 minutes, World No. 4 Kodai Naraoka from Japan in the quarterfinals 21-17, 9-21, 21-16 in 80 minutes, and World No. 6 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the semifinals 10-21, 21-18, 22-20 in 77 minutes. It’s worth noting that Leong was down 10-17 in the decider against Christie, but was able to stage a remarkable comeback to win the semifinal match.

Three-time Olympic silver medalist Lee Chong Wei believes Leong Jun Hao’s impressive showing signals greater achievements ahead for the 25-year-old player.

The 42-year-old also commended national team coach Yogendran Khrishnan for playing a pivotal role in Leong’s improvement.

In an Instagram story, Lee Chong Wei wrote, “I watched Jun Hao’s incredible journey at the Japan with immense pride. Your gallant effort on court, fighting spirit, and determination have truly inspired so many, including myself. Keep believing in yourself, stay strong, and never stop chasing your dreams. Malaysia is behind you all the way.”

Despite the defeat, Leong, a native of Kuala Lumpur, expressed satisfaction with his overall performance, particularly as this was his first appearance in a Super 500 final.

“I don’t want to make excuses, but my body hasn’t fully recovered yet, and I’ve given my best effort.”

“Still, I’ve learned a lot from this tournament, especially in terms of being more patient and consistent,” said Leong Jun Hao.

In men’s doubles, Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto put up a strong fight to beat Japanese players Takuro Hoki/Yugo Kobayashi 21-15, 17-21, 21-17 for the men’s doubles title.

Akane Yamaguchi became the only Japanese player to keep at least one tile on home turf as she defeated Gregoria Mariska Tunjung 21-12, 21-12 in the women’s singles title. Earlier Sunday, Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning of China completely dominated the women’s doubles final to beat Yuki Fukushima/Mayu Matsumoto 21-15, 21-5.

In mixed doubles, Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran of Thailand won the Matsumoto Masters title, defeating Thom Gicquel/Delphine Delrue of France 21-16, 10-21, 21-17.

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