Jun Hao, Justin face trial by fire against Indonesia

AICHI: National shuttlers Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh have the perfect stage to answer their critics when Malaysia face Indonesia in the men's team quarter-finals of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Tuesday.

The two national singles players will shoulder a huge responsibility when Malaysia face top seeds Indonesia for a place in the semi-finals at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium.

Jun Hao is expected to open the tie against world No. 1 Jonatan Christie in the opening singles match, which could prove crucial to Malaysia's hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

Although Jun Hao has lost his last three meetings with Jonatan, their overall head-to-head record shows that the Malaysian is no easy opponent, having beaten the Indonesian three times in their eight encounters.

For Jun Hao, the team event provides an opportunity to rebuild his confidence after an inconsistent season.

"Of course, tomorrow's opponent (Jonatan) is a strong player. For me, I just need to prepare for what I have done before, look at what I was lacking and prepare for the match," he said after beating Mongolia's Batdavaa Munkhbat 21-13, 21-12 in the last-16.

On his chances against Jonatan, Jun Hao said fighting spirit on court would be crucial if he was to secure victory.

"This is a team event and fighting spirit on court is important to find a way to beat him," he said.

Justin, meanwhile, is expected to face Alwi Farhan in the second singles, with the head-to-head record also favouring the Indonesian, who has won six of their eight meetings.

However, the quarter-final could also provide the young Malaysian with an opportunity to prove he can compete against a high-profile opponent.

Malaysia will nevertheless look to its strength in the doubles through Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Aaron Chia-Tee Kai Wun to deliver points.

The national singles players will need to secure at least one point to give Malaysia a chance of causing an upset, whether through Jun Hao, Justin or the third singles player, with Eogene Ewe or Kong Wei Xiang expected to take the court.