Naraoka-less Japan confident of reaching semi-finals

Good vibes: Japan’s Kento Momota in a training session for the Asia Team Championships at Setia Alam Convention Centre. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

SHAH ALAM: The withdrawal of men’s singles shuttler Kodai Naraoka from the Asia Team Championships has not dampened the Japanese men’s team’s spirits.

World No. 6 Naraoka was initially set to spearhead the team in the team meet which is set to get under way tomorrow at the Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam but had to pull out at the eleventh hour due to fitness concerns.