Momota powers Japan into badminton semis
KUALA LUMPUR: Two-time world champion Kento Momota staged a mighty comeback Friday winning eight straight points to propel Japan into the Badminton Asia Team Championships semi-finals against defending champions Malaysia. Momota’s skill and tenacity earned Japan a 3-2 victory over India. India initially looked destined to make it into the last four of the men’s event in Malaysia. K Srikanth led 19-12 in the deciding match, before the 29-year-old Momota turned the screws to reel off eight consecutive points, which he converted in deuce much to the delight of the fans who chanted his name throughout the 77-minute duel.
Momota won 17-21, 21-9, 22-20. Momota, who was fortunate to survive a car crash in Malaysia in 2020 after winning the Malaysia Masters, said he had been given an extra boost by the crowd’s support. “It was a match where we almost lost, but thanks to the support from everyone, we prevailed. For me, playing without giving up led to the win,” he told reporters. Since the 2020 accident, Momota has struggled to regain his supremacy whereas prior to it he had collected a record 11 titles in 2019.
Japan will go on to face Malaysia, who defeated Singapore 3-1 despite playing with a weak squad with Lee Zii Jia absent and Ng Tze Yong retired after three minutes. World number 10 Lee did not play after he was told to rest due to a sinusitis issue, and Ng who stepped in his place retired after just three minutes. Malaysia however secured the victory thanks to wins by Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Leong Jun Hao and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin. South Korea and China will face off in the other men’s team semis. The women’s semis will pit Indonesia against Thailand, while Japan take on India. —