National coaching director Kenneth Jonassen first saw the emergence of Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh during the 2024 Thomas Cup in Chengdu, when he was heading the Danish squad.
Now leading Malaysia, he hopes the singles pair can replicate that impact and help secure the men’s team gold at the SEA Games in Thailand.
World No. 29 Jun Hao has grown into a dependable team performer, while Jonassen also noted the rising potential of world No. 38 Justin from his performances in Chengdu.
However, he stressed that the challenge in Bangkok from Dec 7-10 will be very different. Malaysia were underdogs at the Thomas Cup, but at the SEA Games, the pressure is on the singles players to deliver key points against top contenders like Indonesia and Thailand.
Jonassen said expectations are higher this time, and handling that pressure will reveal the players’ true belief and character.
He withdrew Jun Hao and Justin from the Australian Open two weeks ago to fully focus on their SEA Games preparations, with the men’s team event being one of Malaysia’s main gold-medal targets.
Independent shuttler Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, ranked world No. 45, is expected to play third singles and could play a decisive role in a potential semifinal or final against Indonesia.
Malaysia hold an advantage in men’s doubles with world No. 2 Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik and world No. 5 Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun favoured against Indonesia’s top pairs.
Indonesia’s singles lineup will feature world No. 17 Alwi Farhan, world No. 48 Zaki Ubaidullah and world No. 80 Yohannes Marcellyno.
Malaysia’s last men’s team gold came in 2005 at the Manila Games, and much will depend on how well Jun Hao and Justin perform in Bangkok.
