KUALA LUMPUR: Men's singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao will resume his quest to topple higher-ranked opponents at next week's Indonesia Masters in Jakarta.
Jun Hao begins his campaign against world No. 21 Weng Hong Yang, who was once hailed as the next Lin Dan.
Former world No. 1 Lin Dan, regarded as one of the sport's all-time greats, won five world titles and two Olympic golds.
Like Lin Dan, Hong Yang also hails from Fujian, China, and has an impressive resume, including four World Tour titles, notably last year's China Open.
World No. 28 Jun Hao has a score to settle after Hong Yang ousted him in the second round of the India Open this week.
The first-round clash on Wednesday promises to be an exciting encounter.
The defeat to Hong Yang in New Delhi came despite Jun Hao's sensational opening-round victory over world No. 6 Li Shi Feng.
Their head-to-head record now stands at 2-1 in Hong Yang's favour following his straight-game win.
National singles coach Kenneth Jonassen believes Jun Hao can rise to the occasion.
"Jun Hao has the ability to challenge Hong Yang all the way, but against a top player like him, you must take the initiative and keep pushing. However, it will be very tough," said Jonassen.
"Jun Hao must trust his abilities to make a difference on court."
In his half of the draw, the 26-year-old Malaysian also faces potential clashes with world No. 9 Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan and world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China.
In the women's singles, world No. 47 Goh Jin Wei will aim to avoid a first-round exit against Taiwan's Hsu Wen Chi (No. 33), following her early elimination at the Malaysia Open last week.
Meanwhile, world No. 59 K. Letshanaa will face world No. 61 Amalie Schulz of Denmark in the qualifying round.