PETALING JAYA: Malaysia may have fallen short against Japan in the Sudirman Cup, but there was at least one bright spot in the performance of men’s singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao (pic).

Jun Hao provided a glimmer of hope in the men’s singles department, proving that there is still promise beyond current No. 1 Lee Zii Jia, who is sidelined with an injury.

The world No. 26 stepped up admirably to deliver Malaysia’s second point with an impressive win over world No. 8 Kodai Naraoka, following the earlier victory by mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.

It was far from an easy outing though, as the 24-year-old had to grit his teeth and battle through a tough rubber game before prevailing 21-8, 13-21, 21-18.