Leong Jun Hao Produces Superb Comeback To Advance To Kumamoto Masters Japan Final

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Leong Jun Hao delivers one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent BWF World Tour men’s singles history by defeating Jonatan Christie during the 2024 Kumamoto Masters semifinals in Japan. (Photo: BWF)
Leong Jun Hao delivers one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent BWF World Tour men’s singles history by defeating Jonatan Christie during the 2024 Kumamoto Masters semifinals in Japan. (Photo: BWF)

Kumamoto: Malaysia’s World No. 31 men’s singles player Leong Jun Hao continued his impressive run at the 2024 Kumamoto Masters Japan Super 500 tournament on Saturday, staging a dramatic three-game comeback to defeat Indonesia’s World No. 6 Jonatan Christie and securing his spot in the final.

Highlights of Leong Jun Hao vs. Jonatan Christie in the 2024 Kumamoto Masters Japan semifinals:

The 25-year-old Leong triumphed with a score of 10-21, 21-18, 22-20. In the deciding game, he overcame a 10-17 deficit to eventually clinch the victory. This win continues Leong’s “giant killer” form in Kumamoto, following his earlier victories against higher-ranked opponents.

Jonatan, who had eliminated Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the quarterfinals on Friday, now trails Leong 1-2 in their head-to-head record.

Leong Jun Hao’s road to the final has been extraordinary. Prior to defeating Jonatan, he overcame India’s World No. 17 Lakshya Sen in the first round, Japan’s World No. 11 Koki Watanabe in the second round, and World No. 4 Kodai Naraoka in the quarterfinals, marking consecutive wins against top-tier players.

In the final on Sunday, Leong will face China’s World No. 9 Li Shifeng, the reigning Asian Games champion. Li advanced to the final after defeating Denmark’s World No. 2 and two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen in straight sets, 21-16, 21-15.

After the match, Leong attributed his improved performance to adjustments made following the recent reorganization of Malaysia’s coaching team. Previously coached by Hendrawan, Leong is now under the guidance of Yogendran Krishnan, who transitioned from coaching the women’s singles team.

“The coaching changes initially affected my form, but I’ve now adapted to the new system and coach. Things are back on track,” said Leong.

Yogendran Krishnan also expressed satisfaction with Leong Jun Hao’s progress, noting his increased maturity and resilience.

“Jun Hao has shown significant improvement in Kumamoto. His key strength lies in his fighting spirit—he never gives up and fights for every point,” said Yogendran Krishnan.

In the women’s singles semifinals, Indonesia’s fifth seed and defending champion Gregoria Mariska Tunjung defeated South Korea’s Sim Yu Jin 18-21, 21-17, 21-19 to reach her second consecutive final. She will face Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, who overcame Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong in another three-game thriller, 21-9, 12-21, 21-18.

Malaysia’s doubles campaign at the tournament came to an end on Saturday as men’s doubles pair Tan Wee Kiong and Nur Mohd Ayub Azriyn, along with mixed doubles duo Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai, were both eliminated in the semifinals.

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