2025-08-03,KUALA LUMPUR

Justin Hoh may have fallen short in the Macau Open final, but the men's singles shuttler was all smiles after rediscovering form following a rough patch in North America.

The 21-year-old bounced back impressively in Macau after early exits at the US and Canada Opens — both Super 300 tournaments — last month.

He crashed out in the second round in the US and suffered a first-round defeat in Canada.

However, a timely chat with national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen and coach K. Yogendran upon returning home proved pivotal.

It helped the world No. 45 regroup and reach his maiden Super 300 final.

"I'm really pleased — this was my first Super 300 final," said Justin.

"The discussion with Kenneth and Yogendran after the US and Canada Opens was a step in the right direction. We needed clarity and a better plan to improve my performance."

Justin, however, was visibly unsettled in Sunday's final, played under bizarre circumstances at the Macau East Asian Games Dome.

A leaking roof and slippery court affected his focus and heightened his fear of injury.

He was soundly beaten 21-15, 21-5 by Indonesia's world No. 25 Alwi Farhan.

Despite the defeat, Justin took plenty of positives from the tournament.

"I've learnt to be more patient. I still need to sharpen my skills and match strategy," he added.

Next on the agenda is a valuable stint in Europe.

Justin will join world No. 24 Leong Jun Hao and women's No. 41 K. Letshanaa in a training camp with the Danish national team in Copenhagen from August 18-22, ahead of the World Championships in Paris (Aug 25-31).