Moment to cherish: Kento Momota thanking the fans before leaving the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Center.
CHENGDU: There was no fairytale ending for Kento Momota in the Thomas Cup Finals but the Japanese ace will leave the international stage with no regrets.
Momota was hoping to capture the title with Japan in his last outing but the team fell short after going down 1-3 to Malaysia in the quarter-finals in Chengdu on Thursday.
The two-time world champion, who was named in the third singles, could not play his last match as the tie was over before that.
Momota, though, was still thankful to get the opportunity to be part of the team for the last time in the prestigious team meet.
Momota speaking to the press.
“I love team events so much. That’s the reason I chose the Thomas Cup to be my last international tournament,” said Momota in a press conference at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Center yesterday.
“I’m very happy and thankful to have been part of the team. I feel proud of my teammates as they did their best here.”
The Thomas Cup will always hold fond memories for Momota after he inspired the team to a historic title in the 2014 edition in New Delhi where Japan beat Malaysia 3-2 in a thrilling final.
He was only 19 at that time and won all his matches as a debutant.
Meanwhile, the 29-year-old was also touched by the support he received from fans all over the world and expressed his gratitude to them.
“I’m proud of myself as I did not expect so many people to love me as a player,” said Momota.
“I want to thank everyone around me who always support me until now.”
