The show must go on
Momota promises a show in Chong Wei’s absence
Japan’s world No. 1 singles ace Kento Momota has vowed to fill the void left by his idol Lee Chong Wei in the Malaysia Open starting today at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil. “I miss Chong Wei as much as the home fans. But I’m sure he’ll be back soon,” he said. “The least I can do is to try to make up for his absence by playing good badminton to entertain the fans.”
JAPAN’s world No. 1 Kento Momota says he will fill the void left by his idol Lee Chong Wei in the Malaysia Open this week.
The 24-year-old believes Chong Wei’s absence must be deeply felt by the home fans who yearn to see their national hero in action again after a long lay-off.
Chong Wei was initially slated to make his first competitive return in eight months and defend his crown but had to abort his plans after failing to get the green light from his doctor.
And Momota was the last man who played against Chong Wei in the Indonesian Open semi-finals last July before the latter was diagnosed with nose cancer.
Last year, he went down 17-21, 21-23 to Chong Wei in a 71-minute final as the Malaysian went on to bag a record 12th Malaysia Open crown.
“I miss Chong Wei as much as the home fans. But I’m sure he will be back soon,” said Momota.
“TheleastIcandoistotrytomakeup for his absence by playing good badminton to entertain the fans.”
Momota will be pumped up to add the title to his collection.
The Japanese had a highly successful season last year when he won seven titles including the World Championships but the Malaysia Open remains elusive.
“I really want to make amends after losing to Chong Wei last year,” added Momota.
“This Open is definitely one of the tournaments I would like to win in my career.”
Momota heads into the Axiata Arena on the back of two consecutive victories – the German Open and the All-England.
And he will be looking to extend his 10-match unbeaten run when he takes on Denmark’s Jan O Jorgensen in the first round.
Momota is expected to make the last eight and set up a mouth-watering clash against Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in a rematch of the All-England final earlier last month.