Momota eagerly awaits Axelsen clash in semis

Going all out: Viktor Axelsen of Denmark looks at the shuttlecock after a return by Son Wan-ho of South Korea during their men’s singles quarter-final match yesterday. — AFP

JAPAN'S Kento Momota looked on in envy when Viktor Axelsen won the world title in 2017.

“Then, I had just come out of my one-year ban. Before my ban, Viktor and I had a rivalry going on between us,” said the 23-year-old Momota.

“This year I've won the Asian Championships and he won the European Champion­ships.

“I'm determined to get the better of him this time," he said.

“He has improved since our last meeting and this match will show where I stand against him.”

The 2014 Thomas Cup champion Japan and defending champions Denmark will clash in the Thomas Cup semi-finals today and Momota and Axelsen's match will be the highlight of the day.

Yesterday, Japan defeated France 3-1 while Denmark fought tooth and nail to beat South Korea 3-0.

The 24-year-old Axelsen, who was given a run for his money before beating Son Wan-ho 21-14, 14-21, 22-20 in the first singles yesterday, promised to give Momota a tough fight.

“He is back to top form but I'm waiting for a match against him. This will be a platform to show who is better," said Axelsen.

Axelsen has only won two out of his eight meetings against Momota. In their last meeting at the India Open in 2016, the Japanese emerged as the winner.