Under-fire Jun Hao out in Round 1 again

 Exit in Malaysia Masters marks the fourth time he has lost in his opening match in six appearances this year.

Leong Jun Hao was issued a stern warning by BAM performance committee chairman Lee Chong Wei last week over several disciplinary issues. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

National men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao suffered another setback after losing to China’s world No 69, Hu Zhe An, in the Malaysia Masters today.

The world No 25 went down 19-21, 21-23 in a 56-minute match at the Unifi Arena in Bukit Jalil.

It marked his fourth first-round exit in six tournaments this year, following a difficult season last year.

He had previously been knocked out in the opening rounds of the India Open, the German Open and the Badminton Asia Championships.

Jun Hao was issued a stern warning by BAM performance committee chairman Lee Chong Wei last week over several disciplinary issues.

National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen had suggested that Jun Hao be dropped from the national squad.

However, Chong Wei said he was still willing to give the 27-year-old another chance as he believed the player could still change.

Fellow men’s singles shuttler Justin Hoh also lost his opening match to Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Ginting 16-21, 14-21 in 45 minutes, ending Malaysia’s challenge in the category. - FMT