KUALA LUMPUR: New national singles coach Kenneth Jonassen said the players at Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) should not waste the opportunity to observe and learn from a top shuttler like Anders Antonsen.
Denmark's world No. 2 Antonsen is known to make the ABM in Bukit Kiara his training base, especially before flying off to tournaments in Asia.
He was seen training at the ABM with his coach, Kasper Antonsen, on Tuesday ahead of the Malaysia Open on Jan 7-12.
Jonassen, 50, who is also a Dane, said every world class player has something to offer, whether it is how they prepare for every practice or just how they go about their routines.
"The best way for young players to pick up is to have somebody beside you. Maybe a young player is trying to incorporate something new into their game, and there is no better way to learn than observing a top player like Antonsen," said Jonassen, who arrived in Malaysia today.
"When they observe a top player like Antonsen, the youngsters will go... OK, now I understand why my coach is telling me to do these extra hours of training.
"You also have to pay attention to his shot quality. The best players are not the fastest or the hardest-hitting, but somehow, they bring in something special in the quality of their shots."
When asked about men's singles Leong Jun Hao, Jonassen said he has yet to sit down and speak with the national No. 2.
"For this Malaysia Open, I will just observe him on the court and see how he deals with the privilege and pressure of playing on home soil in a major tournament."
Jun Hao is known to be a giant killer, but he also blows hot and cold. Jonassen said his best advice to the 25-year-old would be to focus on a game plan.
"How you tactically approach a game and carry yourself through the difficulties you face in a match is very important," said Jonassen.
"It does not matter if we start well, but you will arrive at a point when we might be able to close the game. But if you don't have your emotions in check, it would be difficult to end the match; that is also part of the game plan."
Jun Hao will begin his Malaysia Open campaign against China's world No. 16 Lu Guang Zu.