Kento pop losing rhythm – no thanks to speedier game

A SHIFT in the speed of the singles game may have affected Kento Momota’s (pic) rhythm.

Japan’s head coach Park Joo-bong admitted that Momota’s form had taken a dip as a newer generation of singles players have raised the tempo of the game.

Yesterday, Japan, who rested world No. 2 Momota, beat the United States 5-0 in their first Group D tie. The top player is expected to play when Japan take on England today and Malaysia tomorrow.

“Momota is not at his best although he has been following the training diligently. He was affected by the accident (in Malaysia after winning the Malaysian Masters in 2020) but since then, he has shown signs of recovery,” said Joo-bong.

“In fact, he did well during the Sudirman Cup and Thomas Cup last year. I think his defeat to Viktor Axelsen in the Denmark Open final and Kanta Tsuneyama in the French Open semis dented his confidence again. He was gutted.

“It’s not easy to play in back-to-back singles events. I see a change in the singles’ game now, the speed is like in the doubles event, it’s really fast.

“Players like Loh Kean Yew (world champion) and Lee Zii Jia (Asian champion) are young and fast. Indonesia’s attacking player Anthony Ginting used to dominate but he is also struggling with the pace now.

“Momota plays a more controlled game. If he can defend well, then he has a chance of winning the rally.

“However, we hope that he will regain his confidence and improve in every match in this Thomas Cup Finals,” added Joo bong.