Hong Kong's Wei Nan celebrates after beating 13th seed Kento Momota in the first round of the World Championships. - AFP
COPENHAGEN: If Wei Nan’s sensational opening round win is anything to go by, there could be more upsets in the men’s singles event at the Ballerup Super Arena.
On Monday, the 32-year-old from Hong Kong exacted sweet revenge over 13th seed Kento Momota of Japan when he dumped the latter 18-21, 21-18, 21-12 to march into the second round.
Momota is the first seeded player to bite the dust on the opening day.
China-born Wei Nan was happy that he poured cold water on Momota’s hot run. The Japanese had been riding high since steering Japan to their first Thomas Cup title in May at New Delhi.
“Kento showed me no mercy during the Thomas Cup Finals group tie. I was blown away in straight games,” said Wei Nan.
“I came here with one aim – to get revenge over him. Now, my confidence is restored.”
In another match, sixth seed Wang Zhengming of China defeated Michal Rogalski of Poland 21-15, 21-12 in 34 minutes.
The former world junior champion will take on Czech Republic’s Petr Koukal on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, in the women’s singles, Tee Jing Yi almost muffed it up before making it to the second round with a 21-14, 21-19 win over Hong Kong’s Michelle Chan Ky.
Jing Yi had taken a 17-8 lead but made series of errors to allow her opponent to claw back into the game to 19-20.
Fortunately, she held her nerves to finish off the game to set-up a meeting with Carolina Marin of Spain on Wednesday.
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