Malaysian shuttler Leong Jun Hao hopes a shift from European to Asian training methods will revive his career after a challenging season
NATIONAL men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao hopes a change in training approach from European to Asian methods will bring a new spark to his career.
The 26-year-old admitted struggling with the European training philosophy implemented by National Singles Coaching Director Kenneth Jonassen, resulting in a season where he reached only two quarter-finals from 19 tournaments.
“Since I was young, I was already used to what I had (Asian training style) and this might be a good thing for me to find back what I achieved before,” he told reporters at a court test session for the Malaysia Open 2026 at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil.
Jun Hao’s best achievements prior include winning the 2022 Indonesia Masters and 2023 Malaysia Super 100, and finishing as runner-up at the 2024 Japan Masters.
Recent media reports stated Jonassen has returned to using an Asian-based training system after finding national players had difficulty adapting to the European philosophy he introduced upon joining the Badminton Association of Malaysia early last year.
The Danish coach was quoted saying the European method, which emphasised challenging players mentally by having them set their own targets and drive their own development, was less suitable for some players including Jun Hao and Justin Hoh, prompting the change.
Meanwhile, Jun Hao aims to start his Malaysia Open 2026 campaign with a win when he faces China’s 29th-ranked Wang Zheng Xing, after an early exit in the last edition.
The Malaysia Open 2026 begins tomorrow and runs until 11 January.
