Kento Momota: A new hope for Japan at international level – Badminton Feature
Japan has been banking on its prime shuttlers like Kenichi Tago and Sho Sasaki to gain a respectable position in the badminton arena but it seems that the badminton-crazy nation is now looking towards a relatively young campaigner Kento Momota to escort
the country to new glory.
The 18-year-old Kento Momota is currently placed at 99th spot in the World rankings but he is constantly elevating his position at the international level. His performance in last couple of months is the proof of his swift progress.
The Japanese lad has appeared in 30 encounters and he was declared winner in 22 matches and this splendid record is a strong statement about his potential and talent. This year he represented his country in prestigious events like Badminton Asia Championships,
Malaysia Open, Vietnam Open, Indonesia Open and last but not the least, the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships.
Kento Momota has tested his skills against the world beaters like Chen Jin, Tien Minh Nguyen, Simon Santoso and Henri Hurskainen. Though, he could not surpass these challengers but still he registered his presence by showing commendable fighting spirit.
His first biggest challenge was to justify his selection in the Badminton Asia Championships and he hit the mark by qualifying for the pre quarter-final round. He was up against World Number four Chen Jin of China.
Kento Momota put an extra effort in this crucial tie but lack of experience put his expedition to halt. He could not match his rival’s class and crashed out of the event after receiving a straight-set defeat.
This woeful exit was followed by another early farewell from the Malaysia Open where he could not clear the preliminary stage and bid adieu to this GP Gold after losing to the native shuttler Wei Feng Chong.
However, he did not lose heart and made amends by claiming the Boys’ Singles crown in Badminton Asia Under-19 Championships. He played impeccable badminton and outshined spirited shuttlers like Sameer Verma, Phetpradab Khosit and Soong Joo Ven en route to
the glory.
Kento Momota continued playing impressive badminton in the Canada Open where he locked horns with a higher ranked Swedish player Henri Hurskainen and earned a great deal of admiration for his honest effort.
It was not the end as he powered his way into top eight shuttlers of Vietnam Open next month. This time Tien Minh Nguyen was his competitor in the quarter-finals of this Grand Prix Gold tournament.
The seasoned Vietnamese campaigner wrapped this showdown in just two games but still Kento Momota rose to prominence for performing beyond expectations in this straight-set match.
The Japanese youngster was given another chance to gain experience and kick-start his career as professional. He was fielded in 2012 Japan Open but he could not live up to his billing and crashed out of second round.
Kento Momota showed strong character even after this blow and saved his honour by raising the trophy in BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships. He looked in sublime touch throughout this prestigious event.
In the title match, he overpowered a budding shuttler Song Xue of China. He showed great finishing skills and locked the title despite of going down in the beginning of this match.
Kento Momota’s recent performance has reserved his spot in the list of future badminton stars of Japan but the youngster should bring consistency in his performance to make an everlasting impact in the arena.
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