Indonesia Masters: Jonassen Urges Justin To Embrace Istora Senayan Atmosphere

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- The roar of Istora Senayan in Jakarta awaits national men’s singles shuttler Justin Hoh, who is set to step onto one of badminton’s most iconic venues for the first time at the Indonesia Masters tomorrow.

The world number 37 Justin will open his campaign against world number 28 Wang Zheng Xing of China.

National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen said mastering the unique conditions at Istora Senayan, from the draft to the famously vocal crowd, could be the real separator for both players.

“I think it will be the first time for both of them playing at Istora Senayan, which is also an experience.

“The one that deals the best with the environment there - the draft, the crowd - will have the biggest success,” he told reporters when met at a training session here today.

He said that rather than shrinking from the moment, Justin should embrace the occasion, likening the atmosphere to a home crowd in Kuala Lumpur. The Super 500 tournament runs from today until Jan 25.

Still, the Dane stressed that enjoyment must be matched with intent, with the 21-year-old needing to seize control of the contest.

“But he definitely has to control the rhythm of the game and be the more aggressive of the two. And let's see how it pans out tomorrow,” he said.

Despite being ranked lower than his Chinese opponent, Justin carries a psychological edge into the match, having beaten Zheng Xing when they first crossed paths in the Korea Open 2025 first round last September.

Jonassen also addressed the absence of another national men’s singles player, Leong Jun Hao, from the Indonesia Masters, explaining that the decision was made as a precautionary measure.

“I wouldn't call it injuries, but I would call it issues that didn't allow him to push correctly in the training sessions.

“Going to a World Tour Super 500 event, playing top players, you need to be able to perform at your highest level… not to risk aggravating any smaller issues,” he said.

-- BERNAMA