PETALING JAYA: World No. 1 Kento Momota could make a sensational return to lead Japan at the Thomas Cup Finals in Aarhus, Denmark, from May 16-24.
The 25-year-old has reportedly resumed training with the national team yesterday, quashing initial doubts that he could be out for another three months after undergoing surgery three weeks ago to fix an orbital floor fracture on his right eye.
Momota had earlier returned to training on Feb 3 after he had recovered from the light injuries sustained during the fatal road accident where a van driver was killed in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 13.
But it lasted only a day as the two-time world champion complained about having double vision.
A further medical examination then identified a fracture in the bottom of his right eye socket, where it affected the muscles and nerves around his eye and prevented it from moving properly and feeling normal.
Following the surgery, Japanese media were speculating that Momota would be out at least until June.
He was also not expected to play in any more tournaments until the Tokyo Olympics in August, where all eyes will be on him to win gold for the home contingent.
It is certainly welcoming news for the Japanese side now that it’s clear that Momota’s condition isn’t as bad as initially feared.
Momota has not been registered for the Singapore Open from April 7-12, so the earliest possible comeback could be the Asian Badminton Championships from April 21-26.
It is still uncertain if Momota will be defending his title.
The tournament will most likely be moved from its original venue Wuhan, China, the epicentre of the Covid-19 outbreak.
But with about two and a half months to go before the Thomas Cup Finals, time is certainly on Momota’s side for him return to top shape.
Apart from the ultimate Olympic gold, Momota would be eager to also help Japan win the Thomas Cup for the second time.
He was part of the team that chalked up their historic victory in New Delhi in 2014 and finished runners-up to China in the previous edition two years ago in Bangkok.
Momota outclassed Chen Long in first singles tie but could not prevent China from running away with a 3-1 win. He did not play in 2016 after being suspended for a gambling scandal.
The 25-year-old has reportedly resumed training with the national team yesterday, quashing initial doubts that he could be out for another three months after undergoing surgery three weeks ago to fix an orbital floor fracture on his right eye.
Momota had earlier returned to training on Feb 3 after he had recovered from the light injuries sustained during the fatal road accident where a van driver was killed in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 13.
But it lasted only a day as the two-time world champion complained about having double vision.
A further medical examination then identified a fracture in the bottom of his right eye socket, where it affected the muscles and nerves around his eye and prevented it from moving properly and feeling normal.
Following the surgery, Japanese media were speculating that Momota would be out at least until June.
He was also not expected to play in any more tournaments until the Tokyo Olympics in August, where all eyes will be on him to win gold for the home contingent.
It is certainly welcoming news for the Japanese side now that it’s clear that Momota’s condition isn’t as bad as initially feared.
Momota has not been registered for the Singapore Open from April 7-12, so the earliest possible comeback could be the Asian Badminton Championships from April 21-26.
It is still uncertain if Momota will be defending his title.
The tournament will most likely be moved from its original venue Wuhan, China, the epicentre of the Covid-19 outbreak.
But with about two and a half months to go before the Thomas Cup Finals, time is certainly on Momota’s side for him return to top shape.
Apart from the ultimate Olympic gold, Momota would be eager to also help Japan win the Thomas Cup for the second time.
He was part of the team that chalked up their historic victory in New Delhi in 2014 and finished runners-up to China in the previous edition two years ago in Bangkok.
Momota outclassed Chen Long in first singles tie but could not prevent China from running away with a 3-1 win. He did not play in 2016 after being suspended for a gambling scandal.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
