Leong Jun Hao will miss the Japan Masters in Kumamoto next week, with national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen explaining that the withdrawal is intended to give the Malaysian shuttler more preparation time for the Hong Kong Open.
The decision has attracted attention after fellow national players Justin Hoh and Eogene Ewe also withdrew, leaving independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia as Malaysia’s only men’s singles representative in Japan.
Leong Jun Hao Given Extra Time for Hong Kong Open
Jun Hao withdrew on November 2, while Justin and Eogene had pulled out earlier on October 5.
The three withdrawals prompted questions about whether they were connected to a possible restructuring of the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s men’s singles squad.
However, Jonassen explained that the players were following different tournament schedules.
“Jun Hao needs another week to prepare and focus on Hong Kong,” Jonassen told The Star.
The Hong Kong Open takes place from November 17–22, giving Leong Jun Hao additional time to prepare before returning to competition.
Rather than signalling a wider squad change, the decision reflects BAM’s approach to managing individual players’ competition schedules.
Kenneth Jonassen Explains Justin and Eogene’s Plans
Justin and Eogene will compete at the Kaohsiung Masters in Taiwan instead of travelling to Japan.
Jonassen described their participation in Taiwan as part of their development programme.
The Danish coach told The Star that both players were competing in Kaohsiung to support their individual development, while Jun Hao required additional preparation time for Hong Kong.
Justin enters the Taiwan tournament as the top seed and has received a first-round bye.
Eogene, meanwhile, will attempt to recover from his qualifying-round exit at the Korea Open. He faces fellow Malaysian Ong Zhen Yi in the opening round.
These separate schedules underline BAM’s intention to match tournament participation with each player’s immediate competitive needs.
Lee Zii Jia Carries Malaysia’s Japan Masters Hopes
With the three national players absent, Lee Zii Jia becomes Malaysia’s sole men’s singles representative at the Japan Masters.
The world No. 40 will begin in qualifying against Japan’s Minoru Koga, whom he defeated at the Swiss Open earlier this year.
That previous result offers encouragement, but Zii Jia must still negotiate qualifying to secure a place in the main draw.
The tournament presents another opportunity for the independent Malaysian to build momentum and improve his position in the world rankings.
Malaysia Badminton News: Different Routes Ahead
The Japan Masters withdrawals highlight how Malaysia’s men’s singles players are approaching the final stages of the international season.
Leong Jun Hao is preparing for Hong Kong, Justin and Eogene will compete in Taiwan, and Zii Jia faces a qualifying challenge in Kumamoto.
Jonassen’s explanation provides clarity about the tournament decisions, although the results of the upcoming events will offer a clearer indication of their effectiveness.
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