New Delhi: World No. 4 Japanese shuttler Kento Momota remained perfect in India Open finals, winning the men’s singles title on Sunday while denying Viktor Axelsen of Denmark from winning his first ever Super Series.
It was clear Momota badly wanted to win on Sunday and he needed only 45 minutes to see off Axelsen 21-15, 21-18 and sprawled on the court after hitting a powerful smash which earned him the title. It was Momota’s fourth Super Series title and the victory has extended his head-to-head record against Axelsen to 6-2. Momota won the BWF Super Series Masters Finals, Indonesia Open and Singapore Open last year.
“My experience in other super series finals helped me. I was able to execute my plans well today. This win will put me in the good frame of mind for the Olympics,” said Momota.
In the women’s singles final, former world champion Ratchanok Intanon emerged winner in the finals of the $300,000 India Open Superseries in New Delhi.
Ratchanok Intanon, who won her first India Open title in 2013 when she defeated India’s P.V. Sindhu in the final, played with soft hands on Sunday and her deceptive strokes have confused her opponent Li Xuerui on numerous occasions. Intanon eventually defeated Li Xuerui 21-17, 21-18 in 43 minutes to lift the title.
“Li has good skills, she is a very attacking player. I had to prepare well for this match. Idea was not to make mistakes. The shuttle was very fast today, so I played it like a doubles match. My concentration was good. I was more focused. I kept telling myself that it is one more point and I should not commit errors,” said Intanon.
“I will have to improve my game. I was okay today. You have to keep improving since all the players in top 8 can beat anybody. From now on, there are three more events left before Olympics qualification. I will just try to give my best, no matter if I become a champion or not at the Rio Games,” added Intanon.
Indonesia’s mixed double players Riky Widianto and Richi Puspita Dili were overpowered by Chinese Lu Kai/Huang Yaqiong 13-21, 16-21 in the finals on Sunday.
In the all-Japanese women’s doubles final, Japan’s Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi cruised past Naoko Fukuman and Kurumi Yonao 21-18, 21-18 in 57 minutes to claim the title.
Indonesia’s Markus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo continued their great run of form, playing at a different level to overcome compatriots Angga Pratama and Ricky Karanda Suwardi 21-17, 21-13 in 30 minutes to win the men’s doubles title.
