Leong Jun Hao found some light at the end of a tunnel as he overcame Kodai Naraoka to make the second round of the POLYTRON Indonesia Open 2026.

The Malaysian world No.27 had had to endure weeks of tumult, facing flak from his home fans after losing all three of his matches at the BWF Thomas Cup Finals. He had little respite in the weeks that followed as he lost in the opening rounds of his next two tournaments.

At the Istora Senayan today Leong faced Naraoka, who’d beaten him in straight games at the Thomas Cup. The Malaysian however looked a different version of himself, appearing sharper and more positive as he forced Naraoka into fending off his attacks. From 15-17 in the second he stormed past with six straight points to close out the match 21-17 21-17. It was his first match win since the YONEX All England in March.

“It was a difficult time, the last few months,” admitted Leong. “I just had to believe in myself. It’s been long since I had a good match like this. This win gives me confidence and to stay consistent for the following match. This is the best I’ve played in a long time.”

Highlights

» Alwi Farhan got off to a good start in his home campaign, holding off a difficult challenge from Lakshya Sen in straight games, 21-19 21-16.

» Liu Kuang Heng/Hsu Yin-Hui survived match point to break the hearts of home fans as they beat Bobby Setiabudi/Melati Daeva Oktavianti 21-11 21-23 21-19.

» It was a close shave for Kim Ga Eun as well, as the Korean fought back from 16-19 in the third game to beat Riko Gunji 21-8 11-21 24-22.

What They Said

“We train separately. I’m in Malaysia and he’s in Korea. We only get together during tournaments. We haven’t played together for five months. It is difficult at tournaments, we have to adapt very quickly during the match. He speaks a little English and that’s how we communicate.” – Goh V Shem on Korean partner Choi Sol Gyu

“The wind was very strong and I couldn’t control the shuttle in the second game. I’ve played in Indonesia before but this time the wind is stronger and the shuttles are faster. I’m playing my fourth tournament in four weeks, but I’m not very tired. But I need to be stronger mentally.” – Chen Yu Fei

“This is my first time playing an Indonesian pair in Indonesia. This is the first time I’m having a crowd so loud for my game. But I was pretty excited, as it’s a very special experience. I used it as motivation for a good game. The crowd will cheer very loud for their players, so when it’s close, it can be pressuring but we have to communicate well and play our game.” – Jennie Gai

“Sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes you have to yell to each other, and you can’t even hear yourself. It’s the same for our opponents as well. We just have to play through it.” – Presley Smith

→Results (Day 1) 

→Order of Play (Day 2)