Jun Hao credits home crowd and coach Seu Bock for win [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: If anything, Leong Jun Hao's first-round win at the Malaysia Open was one to savour.

The world No. 28 defeated China's world No. 29 Wang Zheng Xing 21-17, 21-17 — the first victory by a home representative in the men's singles at the tournament in three years.

Such has been Malaysia's barren run in the event since Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei lifted his 12th and final title in 2018 that no local player has reached the quarter-finals since.

The trend dipped further in recent seasons.

In both the 2024 and 2025 editions, not a single Malaysian man managed to clear the opening round.

The prospect of another bleak campaign loomed when Lee Zii Jia crashed out on Tuesday to India's world No. 32 Ayush Shetty.

But Jun Hao made sure the home crowd finally had something to cheer, preventing a third straight wipeout.

From an individual standpoint, the win was timely for Jun Hao.

He had come under scrutiny for a string of lacklustre results toward the end of last season, and questions were beginning to circle around his momentum.

Beating Zheng Xing — the surprise China Open runner-up last year — in straight games added extra satisfaction.

It was the kind of composed performance Jun Hao badly needed.

"It was quite tough, especially in the second game when I was trailing and had to chase back," said Jun Hao.

"Winning in straight games felt really good. It gives me confidence, especially after I didn't finish last season well.

"Starting the year with a win is important. Hopefully, I can face the next match with more confidence and consistency."

Jun Hao will next face either Indonesia's Jonatan Christie or Taiwan's Lee Chia Hao — a task he refuses to play down.

"Whoever I meet, it won't be easy. I just need to prepare well and stay focused," he said.

The Axiata Arena crowd also played its part.

"The support really helped. You can feel the energy from the stands," he added.

Jun Hao recently reverted to a more Asian-centric training approach after experimenting with European methods, and he believes the shift is slowly restoring rhythm to his game.

"I didn't have a long time to adjust, but now that I'm back training here, I feel like I'm starting to get my game back," he said.

"There's still more to improve, but it's moving in the right direction."

Wednesday also marked a reunion courtside, with former coach Datuk Tey Seu Bock back in his corner.

"He used to coach me before, and today was the first time he was back courtside," Jun Hao added.

"It definitely felt different — in a good way. He's taken care of us for many years and understands my style very well, so in some situations he knows exactly what I need."