Zii Jia won’t underestimate Japanese Momota at any cost

THE last thing that Lee Zii Jia wants to do is to look down on Kento Momota.

Zii Jia admits that Momota has not been at his best in recent times but the biggest mistake a player can make is to underestimate their opponent, especially in a big event like the Thomas Cup Finals.

“The main target in the group is against Japan,” said Zii Jia after brushing aside Toby Penty 21-10, 21-15 to give Malaysia the first point in the Group D opening tie against England.

Malaysia went on to beat England 5-0, thanks to the points delivered by Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (men’s doubles), Ng Tze Yong (men’s singles), Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (men’s doubles) and Leong Jun Hao (men’s singles).

“We want to keep the momentum like this. We will play the United States next but I will likely be rested. I will prepare to face Kento.’’

World No. 2 Momota has been struggling to find his footing since losing to Zii Jia in the quarter-finals of the All-England in March this year.

“His performance has been unstable but I believe his standard is still there. We will never know when he will rise up, it could be in this tournament, so I will be ready for a tough match.

Flying start: Ng Tze Yong in action against England’s Johnnie Torjussen. Tze Yong won 21-16, 19-21, 21-11.

 — Bernama

“The first point is really important for the team so it’s best that I stay focused. I’ve advised my teammates to do the same.”

Japan fielded a weakened team against the US without Momota and their world men’s doubles champions Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi, but still strolled to a 5-0 win.

Aaron-Wooi Yik, who may also be rested against the US, are also warming up for a possible clash against Hoki-Kobayashi.

Yesterday, they were pushed to the limit before prevailing 19-21, 21-15, 21-16 against Ben Lane-Sean Vendy in a thrilling match.

“We did put undue pressure on ourselves in the opening game, but we’re glad that we found our rhythm after that,” said Aaron.

“We were distracted for a while in the second game due to a glare that came through a door opening but that was rectified.”

Said Wooi Yik: “It’s good that we were pressed hard in the opener as it has taken some of the pressure off our shoulders. It will help us to prepare better for the tougher matches, especially against the top Japanese pair.’’

The 21-year-old Ng Tze Yong, who defeated Johnnie Torjussen, was happy to deliver the winning point.

“It was a good win although I dropped one game. I will play with more confidence next,” said Tze Yong, who was fielded in the second singles instead of Liew Daren.

The last two points for Malaysia against England yesterday came without much resistance as Sze Fei-Izzuddin outclassed Rory Easton-Zach Russ 21-13, 21-9 while Jun Hao subdued Cholan Kayan 21-11, 21-18.

RESULTS

THOMAS CUP FINALS

Group A: South Korea bt Thailand 3-2;

Group B: China bt France 5-0, Denmark bt Algeria 5-0.

Group C: Taiwan bt Germany 5-0; India bt Canada 5-0.

Group D: Malaysia bt England 5-0 (Lee Zii Jia bt Toby Penty 21-10, 21-15; Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik bt Ben Lane-Sean Vendy 19-21, 21-15, 21-16; Ng Tze Yong bt Johnnie Torjussen 21-16, 19-21, 21-11; Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani bt Rory Easton-Zach Russ 21-13, 21-9; Leong Jun Hao bt Cholan Kayan 21-11, 21-18); Japan bt United States 5-0.

UBER CUP FINALS

Group A: Japan bt Germany 5-0.

Group B: China bt Australia 5-0

Group C: Thailand bt Malaysia 4-1 (Ratchanok Intanon bt Goh Jin Wei 14-21, 21-14, 21-15; Jongkolphan Kititharakul-Rawinda Prajongjai lost to Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah 21-16, 19-21, 17-21; Pornpawee Chochuwong bt Myisha Khairul 22-20, 21-10; Benyapa Aimsaard-Nuntakarn Aimsaard bt Valeree Siow-Teoh Mei Xing 21-9, 21-14; Busanan Ongbamrungphan bt Tan Zhing Yi 21-19, 21-6; Denmark bt Egypt 5-0.

Group D: India bt Canada 4-1.