Leong Jun Hao Focuses on Performance Amidst Criticism
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s No. 1 men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao is prioritizing improvement on the court over responding to criticism following a series of recent performances.
Addressing Recent Performances
Jun Hao acknowledges the scrutiny he faces as the country’s leading men’s singles player, admitting that criticism arises when results fall short of expectations. However, he chooses to concentrate on self-improvement rather than dwelling on external commentary.
“What can I say? I just focus on myself. If people want to comment, let them,”
Leong Jun Hao
The Pursuit of Consistency
The 26-year-old (born July 13, 1999) believes that consistent progress in his game will ultimately lead to positive results. He recognizes his capability to defeat top players when performing at his best, but maintaining that level consistently remains a key challenge.
His performance at the All-England tournament exemplified this, where he upset world No. 15 Kenta Nishimoto before losing to Koki Watanabe, an opponent he had previously defeated.
Need for Versatility
Jun Hao emphasizes the need to develop a more versatile game, capable of adapting to various opponents and strategies. He believes success requires improvement across all aspects of his play.
“I feel that overall I need to have all the qualities. It is not easy to beat the top players. It is not just about one or two aspects of the game. I think I need to improve my overall game.”
Leong Jun Hao
He noted that Watanabe’s altered approach required a faster adaptation than he was able to provide.
“That day he (Koki) played more smoothly and his approach was quite different from our previous matches. I needed to adapt faster. If the opponent changes strategy, we also need a modern plan. Maybe what I prepared that day was not difficult enough for him,”
Leong Jun Hao
Past Successes and Future Goals
Last year, Jun Hao achieved victories against notable players including Li Shifeng, Anthony Ginting, and Lee Zii Jia, but these upsets were not consistently followed by deep tournament runs.
Jun Hao now has time to refine his game before the Asia Championships in Ningbo, China (April 7-12), and the Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark (April 24-May 3).
FAQ
How old is Leong Jun Hao?
Leong Jun Hao is currently 26 years old, born on July 13, 1999.
What is Leong Jun Hao’s current world ranking?
As of March 10, 2026, Leong Jun Hao’s current world ranking is 23.
What are Leong Jun Hao’s upcoming tournaments?
Leong Jun Hao is preparing for the Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, and the Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark.
Leong Jun Hao’s commitment to self-improvement and adaptability will be crucial as he aims to solidify his position as Malaysia’s leading men’s singles player and achieve consistent success on the international stage.