Changzhou – Malaysia’s rising star Leong Jun Hao booked his spot in the second round of the 2025 China Open with a solid straight-game win over Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto, setting up an exciting showdown against World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn from Thailand.
Watch highlights of Leong Jun Hao vs. Kenta Nishimoto in the 2025 China Open first round:
In the first-round clash held at the Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium in Changzhou, Jun Hao looked composed and confident as he took down Nishimoto 21-15, 21-18 in just 45 minutes. The victory marked a sweet revenge for the 24-year-old Malaysian, who had previously lost to Nishimoto in the Swiss Open earlier this year.
This win gives Leong Jun Hao a 3–2 head-to-head lead over the Japanese shuttler.
“I managed to control the drift in the stadium much better than my opponent today,” said Jun Hao in his post-match interview with the Badminton World Federation (BWF). “The wind inside this venue is known to be tricky, but I adapted well.”
Leong Jun Hao’s performance is particularly noteworthy considering his early exits in both the 2024 China Open and last week’s Japan Open. Last year, he was ousted in the first round by France’s Toma Junior Popov.
🏸 Next Challenge: Kunlavut Vitidsarn Awaits
Leong Jun Hao’s path doesn’t get any easier, as he now faces top seed and reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the second round scheduled for Thursday.
Kunlavut had to work hard in his first-round match, coming from behind to beat Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan 10-21, 21-15, 21-18. The Thai superstar has won his last two meetings against Jun Hao — at the Singapore Open and Thailand Open in May — and will be aiming to maintain that dominance.
“Today’s win really boosts my confidence,” Jun Hao said. “Now it’s time to recover and prepare a game plan with my team to take on Kunlavut.”
🏸 Mixed Doubles: Wong Tien Ci & Lim Chiew Sien Fight Through
In mixed doubles action, Malaysia’s Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien staged a gritty comeback to defeat India’s Rohan Kapoor and Gadde Ruthvika Shivani 25-27, 21-16, 21-14.
The Malaysian duo will now face a massive test in the form of China’s top seeds Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping, who are strong favorites on home soil.
For all the latest badminton news, match highlights, and tournament updates from the 2025 China Open, stay tuned to BadmintonPlanet.com.
