Malaysia’s rising men’s singles badminton talent, Justin Hoh, is under the spotlight after a disappointing early exit at the 2025 US Open, despite undergoing four weeks of intense preparation leading into the tournament. The result has sparked concern among fans and badminton experts alike, as the 21-year-old was tipped to make a deeper run.
Hoh, currently ranked world No. 43, had high hopes of delivering a strong performance, particularly after the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) made the costly decision to invest in his trip to the United States, a move viewed as a stepping stone toward helping him reach the upper echelons of the sport.
Shocking Defeat in Second Round
However, expectations fell short when Justin succumbed in the second round to Taiwan’s Liao Jhuo-fu, the world No. 76, in a tight 59-minute contest that ended 15-21, 21-9, 17-21. The match showcased moments of brilliance from the Malaysian youngster, but he ultimately failed to maintain composure in the deciding game.
His loss comes just weeks after a more encouraging performance at the Taiwan Open, where he reached the quarter-finals in another BWF World Tour Super 300 event. That tournament had given hope that Justin was turning a corner in his career, raising expectations for a similar or improved showing in the US.
The Malaysian shuttler had opened his US Open campaign in commanding fashion, breezing past Belgium’s Julien Carraggi with a dominant 21-10, 21-10 victory in the first round, but was unable to sustain the momentum.
Ong Ewe Hock: “Justin Must Address His Mental Fragility”
Reacting to the early exit, former national shuttler Ong Ewe Hock stressed the urgency for Justin to overcome his mental lapses, especially when under pressure in matches.
“It’s concerning when a player looks sharp and dominant while leading but begins to lose belief once the opponent gains the upper hand,” said Ewe Hock. “This is a clear sign of mental fragility, and Justin must fix this if he wants to compete at the top level.”
Ewe Hock emphasized that while technical skills are important, mental resilience is equally critical in high-level badminton. He urged Justin and his coaching team to focus on psychological preparation, not just physical conditioning.
“This weakness needs to be addressed in daily training. Most importantly, the attitude of giving up when trailing must be eliminated,” he added. “I believe Justin and his coach are aware of this, and they must work together to develop the mental toughness needed to succeed on the world stage.”
Eyes on the Canadian Open: A Chance for Redemption
Despite the setback, Justin will have an opportunity to redeem himself at the upcoming Canadian Open in Markham, where he is slated to face Taiwan’s Wang Po-wei in the opening round. The tournament presents a crucial chance for Justin to prove that he can bounce back and handle the pressures of international competition.
A strong showing in Canada could help rebuild his confidence and justify the support he continues to receive from BAM and Malaysian badminton fans.
Malaysian Women’s Singles: Mixed Fortunes
In the women’s singles department, Wong Ling Ching also faced disappointment after bowing out in the second round against Bulgaria’s Kaloyana Nalbantova with a scoreline of 20-22, 12-21.
However, Malaysia still had something to cheer about through K. Letshanaa, who advanced to the quarter-finals. Letshanaa displayed great grit and endurance, defeating India’s Aakarshi Kashyap 21-17, 20-22, 21-13 in a hard-fought three-game thriller.
She is set to face another Indian challenger, Tanvi Sharma, in the next round and will be aiming to carry Malaysia’s hopes deep into the tournament.
What’s Next for Justin Hoh?
The road ahead will test Justin Hoh’s resolve—both as an athlete and as a competitor striving for global recognition. His potential is evident, but consistency and mental strength will be key if he is to evolve from a promising talent into a true contender on the BWF World Tour.
As he heads into the Canadian Open, all eyes will be on how he responds to this latest challenge. Will he rise stronger from the setback, or will questions around his ability to compete under pressure continue to linger?
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