TIME TO REPAY THE FAITH

Momota determined to deliver for Japan after returning from suspension

KENTO Momota believes it is his personal duty to deliver the Thomas Cup to the people of Japan who had stood by him during his suspension.

The 24-year-old, who has never lost a match in the men’s team event since Japan lifted their maiden trophy in 2014, missed out on the tournament two years ago in Kunshan, China, when he was banned by the Japan BA for illegal gambling.

Now back with the squad here in Bangkok as the country’s first singles player, the former World No 2 wants to shoulder the nation back to the top.

“My fans and the people of Japan motivated me to return after my suspension. Many people stood by me during that difficult time.

“I asked myself then, what could I do to make them happy? And the only thing I could think of was making a strong return... to lead the team and myself back to where we were, if not higher.

“Back in 2014, I was not playing in the first singles, but now I am. It is a key role as I need to keep on winning to motivate the team.

“It is my duty to do well, and hopefully lead my team to the final,” said World No 12 Momota, who also missed out on the 2016 Rio Olympic Games due to his suspension.

It didn’t take long for the Japanese ace to make an impressive return from his suspension on the international stage.

He claimed the Asian Championships men’s singles title in style last month by beating the likes of former World No 1 Lee Chong Wei and Olympic champion Chen Long of China in the semi-finals and final respectively.

On how he kept himself busy during his suspension period, Momota added: “I knew that I needed to do something as I did not want to lose touch.

“I focused a lot on physical training during my suspension and it helped me to find my footing when I started playing again.”

Japan, who are favourites to top Group C, will play Taiwan in their final group match here at the IMPACT Arena today.