Kuala lumpur: National men's singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao should have little trouble clearing his first hurdle at the 2026 World Championships in New Delhi, but it is a potential second-round clash with China's Li Shi Feng that has him worried.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jun Hao has only ever beaten the world No. 9 Chinese shuttler once in nine meetings, with that victory coming at the 2025 India Open in New Delhi. Should they face each other again in the August 17-23 world meet, world No. 28 Jun Hao hopes to recreate the 'magic of New Delhi' that helped him break his losing streak against the Chinese opponent.

Before contemplating a rematch with Li Shi Feng, the 27-year-old Jun Hao must first overcome Brazilian Jonathan Matias in the opening round. "I feel that if I can get past the first round, the eighth-seeded Shi Feng will be there waiting for me in the next round. If that happens, I will give it my all and, hopefully, New Delhi will be kind to me once again as that's where I beat him once," he said at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara.

Having competed against Shi Feng nine times, Jun Hao acknowledges that the Chinese shuttler holds an advantage in terms of consistency and attacking variety. Nevertheless, Jun Hao believes he is in peak physical condition to tackle any challenges that come his way in New Delhi.

He shared that he and his coaches are actively discussing strategies to employ against higher-ranked shuttlers. Jun Hao is focusing on strengthening himself physically and mentally to perform more consistently at the prestigious World Championships.