If Kento can, Japan can be deadly

PETALING JAYA: The outcome of Malaysia’s tie against Japan in the Thomas Cup Finals will depend on Kento Momota’s form.

Two-time world champion Momota slumped to one of his worst results when he was sent packing by Chico Aura of Indonesia in the first round of the Asian Championships in Manila last week.

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The 27-year-old has to be at his best when he faces reigning Asian champion Lee Zii Jia - and former great Datuk Lee Chong Wei believes the Japanese will rise to the occasion.

Malaysia and Japan will meet early as they have been drawn together in Group D with England and the United States. Malaysia open their campaign against England on May 9, followed by the United States (May 10) and Japan (May 11).

Both Japan and Malaysia are expected to make the knockout stage and, depending on the draw, they could face off again.

Chong Wei said the first singles could turn the tide of the tie.

“If both Kento and Zii Jia play true to form, the fans will get to enjoy one of the best matches,” said Chong Wei.

“We hope Kento will snap out of his poor form. Even if he plays his best, the opening match can go either way. Zii Jia has been playing confidently too.”

Since Zii Jia’s first ever win over Momota en route to winning the All-England title in 2021, both have been playing a cat-and-mouse game.

The Japanese got his revenge in the group stage of the Sudirman Cup but Zii Jia quickly settled the score in a semi-final tie.

Momota restored order when he battled his way to win in the Thomas Cup Finals in Aarhus two weeks later but Zii Jia got the better of him again at this year’s All-England quarter-finals.

Chong Wei said the never-ending contest between the two was good for the sport - like how he had been involved in a duel with his nemesis Lin Dan of China for the longest time.

“If Zii Jia wins, it will motivate others to fight against fancied Japan,” he said.

“We probably have the best chance in the second doubles but Japan may use their mixed doubles star Yuta Watanabe to form a scratch combination. Park Joo-bong’s team are a close-knit family, they thrive on team events but I believe we have a strong team this year too.”

Japan showed their might at the last edition when they defeated Malaysia 4-1 in the group match but the most painful one was when they stunned Malaysia in the final of the 2014 edition in New Delhi to win their first Thomas Cup.