Malaysian shuttler Leong Jun Hao has been forced to withdraw from the Thailand Open, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, due to a right-hand injury sustained during the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen last week. The injury has abruptly halted his plans to capitalize on a commendable performance in the mixed team event, where he emerged as a key figure for Malaysia.
During the Sudirman Cup, Jun Hao stepped up as the nation’s top men’s singles player in the absence of Lee Zii Jia, who was sidelined by injury. Jun Hao’s standout moment came with a victory over Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, a win that showcased his skill and determination, helping Malaysia advance to the quarter-finals. Despite a hard-fought loss to China’s Shi Yu Qi, the world number one, in the quarter-finals, Jun Hao’s efforts bolstered his confidence and raised expectations for his upcoming tournaments, including the Thailand Open.
Unfortunately, the right hand injury he sustained during the Sudirman Cup has proven too significant to overcome in time for the Thailand Open. While details about the injury remain limited, its impact is clear: Jun Hao will miss a chance to build on his recent momentum in a tournament where he was expected to shine. The Thailand Open represented an important opportunity for him to solidify his standing in men’s singles badminton, especially as he adapts to new training methods under singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen.
Jun Hao’s withdrawal is a blow to Malaysia’s contingent at the Thailand Open and a reminder of the sport’s physical toll. As he shifts his focus to recovery, the badminton community awaits updates on his condition, with upcoming events like the Malaysian Masters and Singapore Open looming on the horizon. For now, this injury marks a temporary setback for a player who had begun to signal his potential as a rising star in the sport.
