KUALA LUMPUR: From winning the 2017 Asian Junior Championships to a hat-trick of Thomas Cup appearances, it seemed Leong Jun Hao had all the makings to be Malaysia's next big thing in badminton.
However, a slew of injuries hampered the Kuala Lumpur-born shuttler's progress, leading to his struggle to keep his place in the national squad.
While Jun Hao's creditable contribution in team events has earned him some form of recognition, in reality, he has not had an acclaimed breakthrough since joining the senior ranks.
Yet, when some feel that the 24-year-old's days at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) are numbered, Jun Hao has suddenly been thrown a lifeline — a Sea Games debut in Phnom Penh next month.
For context, the biennial regional games which are meant to promote goodwill among Asean countries, is also a platform for teams to showcase their young and upcoming athletes.
Though he is no longer young and not a rising star in the true sense of the word, Jun Hao still yearns for his moment of glory at the Sea Games.
Buoyed by his most recent showing, a quarter-final result at the Orleans Masters in France, Jun Hao believes that his career is far from over.
"I must thank the coaches for still believing in me and giving me this opportunity to make my Sea Games debut.
"I didn't expect it at first because the Sea Games are usually for juniors or up and coming players.
"I know my season has not been the best, but I believe I still have it in me after the Orleans Masters (earlier this month).
"The Sea Games won't be easy, and there is a lot of pressure on me to deliver, but I won't let that affect me.
"I am motivated and looking forward to shine," said Jun Hao, who failed to clear the qualifying rounds of the Thailand Masters in January and the Spain Masters in March.
Apart from Jun Hao, ABM named three other men's singles for the Sea Games in Justin Hoh, Ong Ken Yon and Lee Shun Yang.
However, the national centre of excellence was dealt a huge blow when the
fast rising Justin suffered an Achilles tendon rupture, and was forced to undergo surgery almost immediately.
The ABM was left with no option as the cream of the crop have all been named for the Sudirman Cup in Suzhou, China, which runs concurrently on May 14-21 with the Sea Games.
Malaysia's biggest rivals, Indonesia, recently announced their team list for the Sea Games apart from a bold four-gold medal target.
Even without the likes of world No 2 Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Asian Games gold medallist Jonatan Christie, Indonesia are still favourites to dominate badminton events in Phnom Penh.
Their men's singles will be led by world No 18 Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo and World No 27 Shesar Heran Rhustavito.
So, there will be no stroll in the park for Jun Hao. In fact, he still has to worry about players like world No 34 Sitthikom Thammasin of Thailand and former world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore who will only feature in the team event.
"There is still a month to go before the Sea Games. We need to prepare well and work on our consistency during training.
"Players like Chico and Shesar are very good, but if given the chance, I am ready to challenge them," added Jun Hao.
ABM has not announced its medal target for the Sea Games, but it is not rocket science to conclude that it will be a tall order for Malaysia to win gold in any of the disciplines.
However, since the inaugural edition of the Sea Games in 1959, Malaysia have never returned empty-handed.
At the last games, in Hanoi, Malaysia won one gold medal through mixed doubles Chen Tang Jie-Peck Yen Wei.
Malaysia also secured two silver medals and one bronze.