Japan’s Nishimoto always gets better after beating Chong Wei

KUALA LUMPUR: Call it a strange coincidence but Kenta Nishimoto always finds his best form whenever he beats Lee Chong Wei.

The 23- year- old Japanese is going great guns at the Perodua Malaysian Masters a day after sending the Malaysian world No. 2 packing in the men’s singles first round on Wednesday.

Nishimoto extended his giant- killing form yesterday by beating world No. 9 Angus Ng Ka Long of Hong Kong 18- 21, 21- 19, 21- 16 to storm into the semi- finals at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.

The world No. 29 enjoyed a similar experience at the French Open after beating three-time Olympic silver medallist Chong Wei in the first round last year.

The 23-year-old then went on to make the final of the French meet – his first Superseries final – before losing to India’s K. Srikanth.

Nishimoto is enjoying his good run in Malaysia.

“I’m proud to beat Chong Wei, especially when he’s such an amazing player,” said Nishimoto.

“It does give me extra responsibilities and pressure because I need to be more consistent and produce even better results after that.

“I don’t know how many more times I can play Chong Wei before he retires, so I need to be more consistent and step up so that I can play him at his best.

“Ultimately, my goal is to bring Japan’s men’s singles to an elite level, similar to that of our women’s doubles.

“With ( Kento) Momota also returning to the national team, I believe the team is much stronger now.

“It would be great if Kento and I can be the world’s top two players one day.”

For now, Nishimoto is focused on making the final in Malaysia.

“It would be great if I can win my first title here,” added Nishimoto, who will take on Denmark’s HansKristian Vittinghus, who defeated Indonesia’s Anthony Ginting 21-19, 21-16, next.