⁠Leong Jun Hao overtakes Lee Zii Jia to become Malaysia's new number #1 in men's singles

Leong Jun Hao climbed one-place to be ranked WR-26 in the latest BWF rankings.

A shift has taken place in Malaysian badminton as Leong Jun Hao has climbed above Lee Zii Jia in the BWF World Rankings, becoming the new national No. #1 in men’s singles. This marks the first time in years that someone other than Zii Jia leads the Malaysian charge, a significant milestone for the 25-year-old from Kuala Lumpur.

As of the latest update, Leong sits at World No. 26, just ahead of Lee Zii Jia at 28. In the World Tour rankings, he’s also Malaysia’s highest-ranked men’s singles player at No. 29.

Leong Jun Hao has won two BWF World Tour titles so far: the 2022 Indonesia Masters Super 1000, where he defeated compatriot Cheam June Wei in a hard-fought final, and the 2023 Malaysia Masters Super 100, where he beat top seed Lee Chia-hao.

He also finished as runner-up at the 2018 Thailand Masters Super 300. He more recently claimed second place at the 2024 Japan Masters Super 500, marking his best-ever finish at a higher-tier tournament.

Leong’s promotion comes on the back of consistent performances over the past year, highlighted by a runner-up finish at the Japan Masters 2024 (Super 500) in Kumamoto. He defeated several top players including Lakshya Sen, Kodai Naraoka, and Jonatan Christie, before falling short against Li Shi Feng in the final.

Leong also had a strong 2023 season, claiming bronze in men’s singles and silver in the team event at the SEA Games, before winning the Malaysian National Championships and the KL Masters title.

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Meanwhile, Lee Zii Jia, who had long carried the hopes of Malaysian badminton, has struggled in 2025 due to a right ankle ligament injury sustained during the World Tour Finals in December.

His only appearances this year were at the All England Open where he lost in R32 to Ng Ka Long Angus and the Orléans Masters where he had a QF exit after losing to Nhat Nguyen. He is currently in recovery and is eyeing a return at the Japan Open from July 15–20.

While Leong Jun Hao takes the spotlight, Malaysia continues to build a strong men’s singles lineup. Cheam June Wei, a former World Junior silver medalist, and Justin Hoh, once ranked World No. #1 in the junior rankings, remain promising names. Ng Tze Yong, who impressed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, is currently making a comeback after injury and carries the nation’s hopes.

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