SHAH ALAM: Japan’s Kento Momota (pic) is back.
The two-time world champion, who is slowly making his way up to top following a crash in Malaysia in 2020, has led his country to a thrilling 3-2 win over 2022 Thomas Cup champions India in the men’s team quarter-finals of the Asia Team Championships.
Momota showed great fighting spirit to come from 13-19 down in the third game to stun India’s K. Srikanth 17-21, 21-9, 22-20 in the fifth and deciding match at the Setia City Convention Center yesterday.
Japan’s No. 12 Kenta Nishimoto had earlier stunned world No. 7 H.S. Prannoy 21-16, 26-24 to give Japan the lead.
World No. 1 and reigning Asian Games gold medallists Satwiksairaj Chirag-Shetty though brought their team level after beating Kenya Mitsuhashi-Hiroki Okamura 21-15, 21-17.
Lakshya Sen then edged Koki Watanabe 21-19, 22-20 to give his team a 2-1 advantage but scratch pair Akira Koga-Kazuki Shibata made it 2-2 with a 21-17, 21-15 win over M.R. Arjun-Dhruv Kapila.
Momota has now set his sights on beating Malaysia in the semi-finals today.
“It was a game that I almost lost but thanks to the support from my teammates and fans, I did not give up and managed to come back to win,” said Momota.
“India were the winners of the Thomas Cup last year, so we knew they were formidable opponents.
“However, we were able to come together to win.
“We will face Malaysia tomorrow (today) and we will continue to work together and give our very best.”
