KUALA LUMPUR: Setting up a second-round clash against world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi is a dream Leong Jun Hao has quietly nurtured ahead of the Malaysia Open Super 1000.
The world No. 29 is eager to face Yu Qi, the in-form Chinese star and top seed, who clinched the World Tour Finals (WTF) in Hangzhou last month.
Jun Hao has faced every top-10 player except for Yu Qi, making this potential encounter a key milestone in his career.
However, to realise his dream, Jun Hao must first overcome China's world No. 16 Lu Guang Zu in the opening round.
It will be the first meeting between the two shuttlers.
As the sole Malaysian representative in the men's singles following the withdrawal of world No. 6 Lee Zii Jia, Jun Hao feels a strong sense of responsibility to deliver for the home crowd.
"This is my first time participating in the Malaysia Open. I am also the only local men's singles player in the tournament, and I hope to perform at my best," said Jun Hao at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil today.
"I have played against all the top-10 players in the world except for Yu Qi.
"If I can reach the second round, I will get a chance to gauge my standard against him, provided he wins his opening match.
"That is my motivation to go all out and beat Guang Zu. Everyone knows he is not an easy opponent. I must be fully prepared and perform well to win the game."
Jun Hao's best result last year was finishing runner-up at the Kumamoto Masters.
A strong showing at the Malaysia Open would set the tone for Jun Hao's continued progress in the new season.