KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 -- Malaysia captain Leong Jun Hao pulled off a major upset at the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, China, stunning Japan's top men's singles player Kodai Naraoka to hand Malaysia a crucial second point in their Group C clash.

The world No. 47 came out firing, storming through the first game 21-8 with a dominant display that saw him race to a 10-1 lead. Naraoka hit back in the second, regrouping for a 21-13 win to force a decider.

But Jun Hao wasn't done. Despite trailing early in the third, he clawed his way back and held firm as the pressure mounted. With the score level at 12-all, the Malaysian unleashed a series of thunderous smashes that Naraoka couldn't match, sealing a 21-18 win after a gruelling 66-minute battle.

Earl...