Mаlауѕіа kісkеd оff thеіr Sudirman Cuр Grоuр C campaign іn emphatic style, ѕесurіng a сlеаn 5-0 sweep оvеr Frаnсе аt thе Xіаmеn Fеnghuаng Gymnasium in China, wіth Leong Jun Hao setting the tоnе fоr thе tеаm.
Wоrld Nо. 26 Jun Hао, who hаѕ bееn еntruѕtеd wіth the captaincy alongside women’s dоublеѕ ace Pеаrlу Tаn fоr thіѕ еdіtіоn of the prestigious mіxеd tеаm event, showed truе lеаdеrѕhір on court. In a tіghtlу соntеѕtеd mеn’ѕ ѕіnglеѕ mаtсh, the 25-уеаr-оld battled раѕt Frаnсе’ѕ Arnаud Mеrklе, rаnkеd 62nd іn the wоrld, with a straight-sets vісtоrу оf 22-20, 21-19.
It was a crucial morale-boosting win for Jun Hao, who carries the weight of expectations as Malaysia’s leading men’s singles player, especially in the absence of world No. 9 Lee Zii Jia. His composure and determination under pressure were key in securing Malaysia’s first point of the tie.
Singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen expressed satisfaction with the performance, particularly highlighting Jun Hao’s ability to make in-game adjustments.
“The match unfolded much as we had anticipated,” said Jonassen. “It wasn’t flawless, but what stood out was Jun Hao’s strong finishes in both games and his ability to adapt tactically as the match progressed. These wins, no matter how small they seem, can have a massive impact on a player’s confidence when competing as part of a team. Minor improvements during a match can significantly enhance the overall strategy. Overall, the team delivered a solid performance today.”
Jun Hao Leads Malaysia to Dominant Sudirman Cup Opening Victory
Jun Hao’s spirited display was well complemented by his teammates, who each contributed to the comprehensive victory.
In men’s doubles, Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani set the momentum early by dispatching France’s Mael Cattoen and Lucas Renoir 21-11, 21-9 in commanding fashion.
Next up, Goh Jin Wei, competing in the women’s singles, doubled Malaysia’s advantage with a polished performance against Leonice Huet, winning 21-10, 21-19 despite facing late resistance in the second game.
Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, demonstrating their growing chemistry, dominated their women’s doubles clash against Margot Lambert and Camille Pognante, cruising to a 21-13, 21-10 victory.
Finally, mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai Jemie wrapped up the tie, overcoming some second-game jitters to beat Gregoire Deschamp and Elsa Jacob 21-7, 21-19.
Positive Start in the Sudirman Cup
After the win, Sze Fei shared his excitement about participating in the tournament for the first time. “This is our debut in the Sudirman Cup, and it’s been a thrilling experience so far,” Sze Fei told the Badminton World Federation (BWF). “We are still adjusting to the court conditions, and there are areas where we can improve. But overall, it’s been a positive start.”
Malaysia’s dominant performance against France has virtually guaranteed their progression to the quarterfinals, with their next group match against Australia expected to be another straightforward assignment. A second win would confirm Malaysia’s spot among the last eight, where the competition is sure to intensify.
Malaysia will then conclude their Group C matches with a highly anticipated showdown against Japan on Thursday, a fixture likely to determine who tops the group.
Sudirman Cup Group C Results:
- Malaysia 5-0 France
- Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin Rumsani defeated Mael Cattoen–Lucas Renoir 21-11, 21-9
- Goh Jin Wei defeated Leonice Huet 21-10, 21-19
- Leong Jun Hao defeated Arnaud Merkle 22-20, 21-19
- Pearly Tan–M. Thinaah defeated Margot Lambert–Camille Pognante 21-13, 21-10
- Goh Soon Huat–Shevon Lai Jemie defeated Gregoire Deschamp–Elsa Jacob 21-7, 21-19
- Japan 5-0 Australia
Meanwhile, in Group B, South Korea took a 4-1 win over Canada to kick off their campaign.
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