MOMOTA OUT TO REDEEM HIMSELF AT MALAYSIAN OPEN
Japanese ace back to redeem himself at Malaysian Open
KUALA LUMPUR: Kento Momota has some unfinished business to attend to in Malaysia – and it looks like he’s on his way towards accomplishing that.
Two years ago, then 21-year-old Momota’s challenge in the Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open was cut short after news of him and compatriot Kenichi Tago were caught gambling at an illegal casino in Japan in 2015 broke out.
Momota, who was at the peak of his career at that time having reached a career best second in the world ranking, conceded a walkover in the second round and was flown home to assist in investigations.
Gambling is a criminal offence in Japan.
He was subsequently slapped with a one-year suspension by the Japan Badminton Association, ending his hopes of chasing for an Olympic gold in Rio.
Yesterday, Momota showed that he is back at his best and on his way to redeeming himself in the Malaysian Open.
He was stretched for 81 minutes before prevailing 12-21, 21-17, 21-14 against Indonesia's Anthony Ginting in the first round.
“I really enjoyed coming back here, the crowd was fantastic,” said Momota.
“It was a really tough opening match, not only because my opponent gave me a hard time but I also faced great difficulty in adjusting to the wind inside the stadium.
“But the sound of the crowd cheering really got me going and spurred me on to win today."
Yesterday's win stretched Momota's unbeaten run to 18 matches dating back to his victory at the Vietnam International Challenge in March.
That includes winning all of his six matches to help Japan emerge runners-up at the Thomas Cup last month.
Momota has also regained his place in the world top 10 (currently at No. 10) recently after winning seven tournaments since returning from his ban in July last year.
Asked if he intends to fight for the world No. 1 spot again, he said: “Before the suspension, world ranking mattered to me but not anymore now.
“I just want to enjoy playing badminton, make my best effort to win each match. I just want to be a player who entertains the crowd with a good performance wherever I am competing.”