Malaysian shuttler Leong Jun Hao achieved a remarkable victory during the opening round of the 2025 India Open.
Facing China’s top-seeded men’s singles player, Li Shifeng, Leong delivered an impressive performance, clinching the match in three games.
Despite being the highest-ranked Chinese player in the tournament, Li couldn’t maintain his dominance after winning the first game. The reigning Asian Games champion was ultimately outplayed in the close contest.
The match, held at KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, concluded with Leong securing a 3-game victory, 18-21, 21-17, 21-17.
Under the training of Danish coach Kenneth Jonassen, a former coach of Viktor Axelsen, Leong demonstrated remarkable determination against the favored player. Jonassen currently leads Malaysia’s men’s singles team.
In the first game, Leong pushed Li to the limit, losing by just three points. However, in the second game, he shifted momentum, establishing a strong seven-point lead post-interval. Although Li tried to close the gap, narrowing the score to 13-18, Leong held steady to force a decisive final game.
The third game saw Li take an early lead, going up 7-5. But Leong quickly turned the tide with a series of points, taking control at 10-7.
Although Li responded briefly, Leong’s precise smashes helped him secure a three-point advantage at the mid-game interval. With his coach, Yogendran Khrishnan, offering support courtside, Leong maintained his composure to extend his lead to 18-15.
Li’s misjudgment on a return gave Leong his first match point, and a powerful smash sealed his first victory of the year.
This win marks Leong Jun Hao’s first triumph in 2025 and a notable success under the guidance of Kenneth Jonassen.
Leong Jun Hao will face another Chinese shuttler in the second round, Weng Hongyang, who won his first round match without breaking a sweat after his opponent Srikanth Kidambi of India withdrew from the tournament.
Photo: BWF
