Kumamoto Masters: Jun Hao outclassed by Shi Feng in final
Henry Larsson
November 17, 2024 16:14 MYT
November 17, 2024 16:14 MYT
Leong Jun Hao had to settle for a runner-up spot at the Kumamoto Masters men's singles final after he lost 10-21, 13-21 against China's Li Shi Feng on Sunday.
The world number 31 had been in fantastic form this whole week with victories over Lakshya Sen, Koki Watanabe, Kodai Naraoka and Jonatan Christie, but he couldn't match a well-playing Li who dominated throughout the 44-minute contest.
The Malaysian needed treatment to his finger in the early stages of the first game, and things did not get better for him after that as the Chinese pulled away at ease to take the lead.
RESULTS: #KumamotoMasters2024 Final#CHN?? Li Shi Feng def. #MAS?? Leong Jun Hao 21-10 21-13 ⏱️ 44m Jun Hao falls just short in his first S500 final, battling valiantly against world No. 9 nemesis Shi Feng. Keep your head up, Jun Hao—more good things to come! ???… pic.twitter.com/vDQoOElcnR
— BAM (@BA_Malaysia) November 17, 2024
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Leong's neat netplay earned him a 5-2 lead in the second game, but it turned out to be his best moment as the world number nine continued to be in the ascendency and hardly put a foot wrong.
To his credit, Leong did his best to make it a competitive contest, but found his opponent who beat Viktor Axelsen to reach the final, simply a class above.
Leong can still be proud of his efforts to reach his first major final by beating several higher ranked players along the way.