Leong Jun Hao’s push for a top 20 world ranking faces a major hurdle next week as he takes on in-form French star Alex Lanier in the Japan Open first round.
Lanier, 20, has emerged as one of the most impressive young talents on the World Tour. The world No. 8 captured the Japan Open title last year, won the Orleans Masters in March, and recently made history as the youngest men’s singles champion at the European Championships.
Malaysia’s national coach Kenneth Jonassen warned that Jun Hao will need to be at his physical and mental best to stand a chance.
“Lanier plays differently from most top 10 players and that makes him unpredictable,” said Jonassen. “Jun Hao can’t afford to switch off — this will be a real physical battle.”
The 24-year-old Malaysian has shown glimpses of his potential, notably beating world No. 7 Kodai Naraoka during the Sudirman Cup before an elbow injury disrupted his form. He returned strongly at the Indonesia Open last month, taking down world No. 4 Jonatan Christie on his way to the quarter-finals.
Jun Hao will need to summon that same giant-killing spirit to upset Lanier and keep his top 20 hopes alive in Tokyo.
