Leong Jun Hao’s standout performance not enough as Malaysia lose to Indonesia

Jun Hao, who pulled off the upset against Jonatan, said a slow start made it difficult for him to find his rhythm, but the situation changed after he managed to adjust his game in the second set. — Bernama pic

First Published: Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026 8:24 PM MYT

Last Modified: Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026 8:26 PM MYT

AICHI, Sept 22 — National men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao’s heroic fightback in overcoming world number one Jonatan Christie was not enough to keep Malaysia’s challenge alive as the national squad bowed out in the quarterfinals of the men’s team badminton event at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, today.

Malaysia fell 2-3 to Indonesia in the clash at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium, thus failing to advance to the semifinals and missing out on the opportunity to end a men’s team medal drought that has lasted since the Incheon 2014 Asian Games.

Jun Hao first raised hopes in the Malaysian camp after emerging victorious after a three-set battle that saw the world number 33 defeat Jonatan 20-22, 21-12, 21-17.

However, Indonesia regained control of the outcome when men’s doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani lost to Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Shohibul Fikri 15-21, 21-19, 10-21 before Alwi Farhan doubled Indonesia’s advantage by defeating Justin Hoh 21-19, 21-19.

Malaysian shuttlers refused to bow out without a fight and dragged the outcome into a deciding match after Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun subdued Leo Rolly Carnado-Daniel Marthin 17-21, 21-16, 21-13 in another three-set thriller.

However, Eogene Ewe failed to complete the national team’s comeback when he lost tamely 11-21, 11-21 to Moh Zaki Ubaidillah in the fifth match, thereby confirming Indonesia’s 3-2 victory.

Jun Hao, who pulled off the upset against Jonatan, said a slow start made it difficult for him to find his rhythm, but the situation changed after he managed to adjust his game in the second set.

“In the early part of the game, I felt my rhythm wasn’t quite working, and when I fell far behind, I tried to chase back until I managed to secure game points in the first set.

“Even though I lost the first set, I feel that helped me overcome the pressure and know what to do in the second set. After finding my own rhythm, my game became much smoother,” he said after the match.

The defeat means Malaysia is still unable to end its wait for a men’s team medal after last stepping onto the podium with a bronze at the Incheon 2014 Asian Games.

Malaysia has also never won a gold medal in the men’s team event at the Asian Games, with the country’s best achievement being two silver medals at the Bangkok 1966 and Beijing 1990 editions. — Bernama