KUALA LUMPUR: The weight of a week-long pressure was momentarily forgotten when Leong Jun Hao joyously threw down his racquet after winning the Super 100 KL Masters men's singles title on Sunday.
The 24-year-old, who is usually composed and unassuming, let loose and celebrated at the Titiwangsa Stadium following his superb 22-20, 21-13 upset over top seed Lee Chia Hao of Taiwan.
What made the victory even sweeter for Jun Hao was that he achieved it in Kuala Lumpur, where it all started for the former Asian junior champion.
"Coming into this tournament, I really wanted to fight for the title, and I know that the expectations were high for me to achieve that.
It was a huge relief for me because I got to let go of all the pressure I carried throughout the week," said Jun Hao, whose last international title was the Super 100 Indonesia Masters last year.
The reigning national champion pointed out that winning in front of the home fans made the win extra special.
"This (Kuala Lumpur) is where it all started for me, from when I was still young. So I'm very happy to win here, and I want to thank everyone who showed up to support me."
Boosted by the confidence, Jun Hao is now hoping to end the year on a high.
With three more tournaments ahead in South Korea, Japan, and India, the world No. 43 wants to end the year by breaking into the top 32.
"I still have three more tournaments in South Korea, Japan, and India. I want to finish them first.
"Yes, breaking into the top 32 is my target, but there is no point in just thinking about it. I will try my best, one step at a time," added Jun Hao, who left for Korea on Sunday night.
Jun Hao will have his work cut out for him in Gwangju, as he faces compatriot and world No. 15 Ng Tze Yong in the opening round.
For the KL Masters, Jun Hao pocketed US$7,900 (RM37,000) for coming out tops, while Chia Hao settled for US$3,800 (RM18,000).
FINAL RESULTS
Men's singles: Leong Jun Hao bt Lee Chia Hao (Tai) 22-20, 21-13.
Doubles: Chen Cheng Kuan-Chen Sheng Fa (Tai) bt Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong 23-21, 21-17.
Women's singles: Pitchamon Opatniputh (Tha) bt Kim Joo Eun (Kor) 21-12, 24-22.
Doubles: Laksika Kanlaha-Phataimas Muenwong (Tha) bt Lui Lok Lok-Ng Wing Yun (Hkg) 16-21, 21-16, 21-16.
Mixed doubles: Chan Peng Soon-Cheah Yee See bt Pakkapon Teeraratsakul (Tha) 21-19, 17-21, 21-10.