Momota shows class en route to beating Axelsen in men’s singles final

Master of masters: Japan’s Kento Momota celebrating after beating Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen in the Malaysian Masters final at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil. Momota won 24-22, 21-11. Inset: Lee Zii Jia. — S.S. KANESAN /The Star

JAPAN’S Kento Momota claimed himself “unfit” after powering his way to the Perodua Malaysian Masters victory.

Despite not being at his physical best, the 25-year-old Japanese ace pulled off a good show to beat world No. 5 Viktor Axelsen 24-22,21-11 in the men’s singles final of the season opener at the Axiata Arena.