Shah Alam: In a remarkable demonstration of determination and resilience, Kento Momoto staged an incredible comeback from 12-19 in the deciding game against India’s Kidambi Srikanth on Friday. With this comeback, he defeated him with a scoreline of 17-21, 21-9, 22-20, leading Japan to a 3-2 victory and guiding their men’s team to the semi-finals of the 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC).
Highlights of Kento Momota vs. Kidambi Srikanth in the 2024 BATC quarter-finals:
Momota’s performance was something that brought fans to tears. The last match this emotionally impactful was Lee Chong Wei’s defeat of Lin Dan in the Rio Olympic semi-finals, yet Momto’s showing may have surpassed that one. Momoto, World No. 40, was the complete underdog against World No. 24 Kidambi Srikanth. With his performance, he showcased that it’s not over until it’s truly over, playing until that 21st point and securing the victory. Huge congratulations to Momota!
With this triumph, Momota secured his 16th victory in the 19th encounter against Srikanth.
In an address to the media following the match, Momoto, visibly moved, stated:
“This was a match we were on the verge of losing. Thanks to the support of the team and the audience, I never gave up, and I believe that was the key to my victory.”
And now, with a semi-finals matchup against Malaysia, Momota affirmed, “We will continue to compete as a team and give our best.” But Malaysia is no pushover.
In their men’s team quarter-final match against Singapore, they faced serious injuries and health issues affecting two top men’s singles players.
Ng Tze Yong had to withdraw from his match against Jason Teh due to a recurring back injury sustained during the Malaysian Open. Additionally, Lee Zii Jia had sinus problems leading to doctor’s prohibiting him from participating.
But in spite of these setbacks, the national men’s doubles team, Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik, equalized the score at 1-1. And with further victories from Leong Jun Hao in the second singles and Nur Izzuddin/Goh Sze Fei in the second doubles, the Malaysians managed to still advance to the semi-finals of the 2024 BATC with a 3-1 victory. This victory also earned them a spot in the Thomas Cup competition in Chengdu, China for April 2024.
