Jakarta: Malaysia’s World No. 27 men’s singles player Daren Liew said he would apply his own secret tactics to overcome reigning World Champion Kento Momota of Japan in the 2018 Asian Games badminton men’s team tie between Malaysia and Japan on Sunday.
Liew was selected to replace Lee Chong Wei who was forced to pull out from the tournament due to a respiratory illness, said he had studied Japan’s strategy and would play his best to ensure winning the first point for Malaysia.
“No doubt, Kento Momota has the ability to dominate the match, therefore, I will try to play a fast-paced match to hopefully create some resistance against Momota,” said Liew.
“Momota is a really strong player and I have to admit it’s going to be a bit difficult to steal points from him. But his weaknesses (Momota) could be in playing fast-paced games. Therefore, I’ll need to start playing the quick game from the beginning,” added Liew.
“I am at my best level and am 100% ready to start tomorrow’s challenge,” Liew told Malaysian media during the training session at Istora Senayan on Saturday.
Daren had previously lost 16-21, 5-21 to Momota in the semi-final of 2018 World Badminton Championship in Nanjing, China earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s national men’s singles head coach Misbun Sidek also said that the Malaysian shuttlers are ready to face the 2018 Thomas Cup runners-up, Japan, on Sunday.
“The players have been ready the minute they knew we were drawn to face Japan, and I also told them not to worry too much. We already know Japan’s strengths and weaknesses so it’s important that we stay focused and give our best,” said Sidek.
