‘Momota can surpass Lin Dan’s achievements’

Kento Momota has what it takes to surpass big names such as China’s Lin Dan in dominating world badminton.

The remarkable comeback by the 23-year-old after a 15-month suspension, speaks volume of a star destined to take the world by storm.

“He’s got talent, skill and most importantly the brains to play a very smart game,” said former national men’s singles coach Rashid Sidek yesterday.

“What he’s enjoying right now is due to his strong commitment, especially during training. No one can achieve this kind of success without putting in the same amount of determination and hard work.

“He knows what he wants. Based on his age, I am certain he can go on to reach greater heights, surpassing that of even Lin Dan, if he can stay consistent and show the same level of commitment,”

In 2016, Momota, then world No 2, was banned by the BA of Japan when he was found guilty of illegal gambling.

The 2015 World Super Series Finals champion, however, put the setback behind him, when he bagged nine titles in 11 finals, since returning mid last year.

Momota’s greatest achievement came early this month in Nanjing when he won the World Championships crown after beating China’s No 1, Shi Yuqi.

Twice Olympic gold medallist and five-time world champion Lin Dan is seen as the sport’s most successful shuttler but at the rate Momota is going, Rashid believes that he will overtake the China star.

After bagging the Badminton Asia Championships crown in April, Momota is tipped to win his maiden Asian Games gold in Jakarta this month.

“Everyone knows that Momota is at his peak right now, and they would be studying his game closely. He won’t have it easy, but I believe he is mature enough to overcome them, as proven in previous tournaments,” added Rashid.

Rashid, who won a bronze at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, said Momota was lucky not to have been born in the era of Lin Dan, or even Lee Chong Wei, both who ruled the sport for more than a decade between them.

“In this matter, Momota is lucky. He can go on to make a name for himself, when players like Lin Dan, Chong Wei and even Chen Long (China) are fading away.

“There are other young players like Viktor Axelsen (Denmark) and Shi Yuqi, who can give him a run for his money, but quite honestly, Momota is a different class altogether.

“He is not the tallest badminton player, yet has proven that he can make magic. Players, especially from Malaysia, must learn from him,” said Rashid.