Jun Hao overcomes first-round jinx at Indonesia Open

 The world No 27 has faced four first-round exits this year.

National men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao faces a tough test against either Denmark’s Anders Antonsen or France’s Alex Lanier in the second round of the Indonesia Open on Thursday. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

National men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao ended his first-round woes by defeating Japan’s Kodai Naraoka at the Indonesia Open today.

The world No 27 Malaysian overcame the world No 11 Japanese 21-17, 21-17 in 38 minutes at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta.

The victory came as a welcome relief for the national coaching set-up after Jun Hao suffered four first-round exits this year.

It was also Jun Hao’s third win over Naraoka in five career meetings.

However, a much sterner challenge awaits in the second round of the World Tour Super 1000 tournament on Thursday.

Jun Hao will face either Denmark’s Anders Antonsen or France’s Alex Lanier for a place in the quarter-finals. - FMT