Momota Finds Form To Set Up Axelsen Showdown In Malaysia Open
Muhammad Rameez Published July 02, 2022 | 09:43 PM
Japan's Kento Momota expressed delight Saturday at reaching his first final of the year after enduring "difficult times", following a convincing victory at the Malaysia Open over Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn
Kuala Lumpur, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Jul, 2022 ) :Japan's Kento Momota expressed delight Saturday at reaching his first final of the year after enduring "difficult times", following a convincing victory at the Malaysia Open over Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn.
The second seed will face world number one Viktor Axelsen in Sunday's final, after the Dane defeated Indonesia's Jonatan Christie 21-15, 20-22, 21-11.
Momota's victory was a major boost following a recent run of poor form, and came in the country where a car crash more than two years ago sent his career into free fall.
He received a rapturous reception from spectators as he walked out for his semi-final in Kuala Lumpur, and Momota wasted no time in imposing himself on Kunlavut, who struggled to keep pace.
Momota needed only 42 minutes to beat the Thai player 21-11, 21-12, delivering accurate smashes coupled with precise net play.
"I just tried not to make any mistakes and move the shuttle as much as possible into the opponent's side," said Momota after his win.
"I'm so happy to reach this final after enduring so many difficult times.
I will try my best for the people who have supported me throughout." Momota was involved in a car crash that killed his driver on the way to the airport after winning the Malaysia Masters in January 2020. This year's edition of the Masters takes place next week.
It left Momota with a fractured eye socket and double vision. When he did return after a year out of action, the Japanese star was a shadow of his former self.
Momota, still ranked number two in the world, flopped at his home Tokyo Olympics last year and lost in the first round in four of the five singles tournaments he had previously entered this year.
Axelsen made his third consecutive final after a dominant display in the deciding game against Christie, securing victory in 71 minutes.
The Danish ace said he was happy to see Momota finally back in form and playing well after a torrid 18 months, but stressed he wanted to win the Malaysian title "really bad".
"I want to win every tournament I'm in, and this is just as important as the others," said Axelsen.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
CM for generating opportunities to bring direct int'l investment
Pakistan retains position in FTSE secondary emerging market
High Commissioner of Malaysia hosts Iftar dinner reception
NEPRA announces 2nd quarterly adjustment in power bills with Rs 1.68 cut per uni ..
Hoopo Inc. Collaborates with SAU to Install Solar-Powered RO Plant
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm likely at various parts of country
Implementation of Sindh Agriculture Workers Act-2019 demanded
Pandemic accord talks heading for extra time
Khawaja reiterates PM commitment to judiciary
More Stories From Sports
-
Tennis: ATP-WTA Miami Open results: collated
9 hours ago -
Pak, NZ T20I series online ticket booking from tomorrow
10 hours ago -
Football: Italian Serie A table
11 hours ago -
Nottingham Forest's double European Cup winner Lloyd dies
11 hours ago -
Two more matches decided in Inter College Ramadan T-20 Cup
11 hours ago -
PCB dismisses FICA's claims of unpaid dues in PSL
20 hours ago
-
Sinner and Medvedev book Miami Open semi-final clash
21 hours ago -
Collins and Alexandrova fight into Miami semi-finals
23 hours ago -
Van Aert breaks collarbone, ribs in Flanders fall
1 day ago -
Van Aert in high-speed crash in Around Flanders race
1 day ago -
PCB announces inter-club One-Day tournament
1 day ago -
ICC delegation calls on PCB Chairman
1 day ago