KUALA LUMPUR: Men's singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao's spirited run in the Kumamoto Masters was halted by Asian Games champion Li Shi Feng of China today.
World No. 31 Jun Hao, appearing in his first Super 500 final, could not lift himself against world No. 9 Shi Feng, who notched a 21-10, 21-13 win in 44 minutes.
It was the Malaysian's fourth career defeat in as many matches to Shi Feng.
Despite the disappointment, Jun Hao pocketed his biggest pay cheque of US$15,960 (RM71,350) for his effort in Japan.
The shuttler also defeated higher-ranked Lakshya Sen (first round), Koki Watanabe (second round), Kodai Naraoka (quarter-finals) and Jonatan Christie en route to the final.
It was also Shi Feng's first title of the year after having finished runner-up in the Asian Championships and the Singapore Open.