KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 29 Leong Jun Hao faces a tough test at the India Open as he takes on Asian Games champion Li Shi Feng in the first round, risking a third consecutive opening-round exit.
Jun Hao suffered first-round defeats at the China Masters Super 750 in November and the Malaysia Open Super 1000 last week.
National singles coach Kenneth Jonassen has urged Jun Hao to avoid letting Shi Feng, a semi-finalist at the Malaysia Open, dictate the pace when they meet in New Delhi.
Jun Hao has yet to beat world No. 7 Shi Feng, having lost all four of their previous encounters.
Their last meeting was in the final of the Kumamoto Masters Super 500 in November, where Shi Feng won in straight games.
"Shi Feng is the favourite, but Jun Hao still has a chance against him. More importantly, it's another opportunity for him to learn from a top player," said Jonassen.
"The Chinese player loves to dominate matches, and Jun Hao must absorb his speed and prevent him from controlling the front court.
"He becomes extremely difficult to handle when he builds momentum and wins points in succession. Jun Hao will have to fight hard for every point."
Jonassen added Jun Hao must add variety to counter Shi Feng's tactics.
Despite Jun Hao's first-round loss to world No. 16 Lu Guang Zu at the Malaysia Open last week, Jonassen saw positives in the three-game defeat.
"He showed composure, tactical awareness and mental toughness to fight back and win the second game. These qualities can help him in India," added Jonassen.
Jonassen's assistant, K. Yogendran, will guide Jun Hao in India, while the Dane will remain in KL to hold individual discussions with the singles players and develop tailored training programmes.
Jun Hao is Malaysia's sole representative in the men's singles event at the India Open after world No. 6 Lee Zii Jia withdrew due to an ankle injury.