Jun Hao happy to train 'Asian style' again after 'European struggles' [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: National No. 1 Leong Jun Hao admitted he found it difficult to adapt to European training, and is looking forward to reviving his form following national coaching director Kenneth Jonassen's decision to revert to the Asian training methodology.

Jun Hao said it was mentally tough to make the switch after undergoing the Asian methodology since his junior days.

"It's not that I couldn't accept it (European style), but I am used to the previous (Asian training) since I was a kid until last year. It took time to try and adapt, and I felt it was a bit difficult mentally," said Jun Hao today.

"There are some changes on the coaching side — more to the style I had before. So maybe this will be a good thing for me, and I hope I can find my form again like I did before. My mindset now is definitely different."

World No. 28 Jun Hao also confirmed that he and other senior shuttlers have started training under Lee Chong Wei's former coach Tey Seu Bock since returning from the Thailand SEA Games three weeks ago.

Seu Bock, due to his vast experience, has been tasked by BAM to guide Jun Hao and other singles shuttlers.

However, Jun Hao said it will take some time to adapt to Seu Bock's training after having trained under K. Yogendran since 2024.

"We started training together immediately after coming back from the SEA Games. I need to communicate more with the coach (Seu Bock) because I had only trained under him for a short while when I was rising as a player several years ago," added Jun Hao.

Jun Hao, who lost in the first round at the Malaysia Open on his debut last year, will open his campaign against China's world No. 29 Wang Zheng Xing on Wednesday.

"Last year was my debut but I lost in the first round. So I remain focused this time on clearing the first round and moving forward," concluded Jun Hao.