CHONG WEI MAKES IT

World No 6 downs Tommy to set up final clash against Momota

WHILE acknowledging Kento Momota as the next best thing in world badminton, Lee Chong Wei is ready to lock horns with the Japanese ace today in the final of the Malaysia Open.

Yesterday, Chong Wei edged closer to a record 12th title when he made easy work of Indonesia’s Tommy Sugiarto in the semi-finals, notching a 21-18, 21-15 win at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.

The victory also extended Chong Wei’s perfect record over the Indonesian to 17.

“I am really happy with my performance. I have now extended my record over Tommy, that’s a great record for me,” said Chong Wei, who last defeated the World No 24 at the 2017 Japan Open in Tokyo.

Similarly, Momota, extended his unbeaten run to 21 matches when the World No 11 cruised past India’s K. Srikanth 21-13, 2113 in the last-four.

On how difficult it would be to end the 23-year-old’s winning streak, World No 6 Chong Wei added: “He is a very talented youngster. I’ve said this even before he got suspended (in 2016 by the Japanese BA for illegal gambling).

“With Lin Dan (China) and I looking at retirement soon, Momota will go on to dominate world badminton. I am just going to try and enjoy my match tomorrow.

“Hopefully my dream (12th title) will come true,” he added.

The last time the two shuttlers met at the Asia Championships in Wuhan in April, Momota came out tops with a convincing 21-19, 21-14 win over the Malaysian in the semi-finals.

The Japanese No 1, who only returned to competitive action mid last year, went on to win the title after seeing off reigning Olympic champion Chen Long of China in the final.

Chong Wei, on the other hand, last clinched the Malaysia Open title in 2016 in Shah Alam.

In the women’s singles semifinal, World No 1 Tai Tzu Ying defeated India’s PV Sindhu 21-15, 19-21, 21-11, and will face China’s He Binjiao in the final.

The China shuttler stunned fourth seed Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand 21-17, 21-17 in the other semi-final.