Calgary： In his first international tournament back after slightly more than a year suspension, former World No. 2 Kento Momota got through qualifiers and first round on Tuesday, and was able to advance to the Canada Open third round on Wednesday by defeating Englishman Toby Penty 21-10, 21-9 in 31 minutes.
The 22-year-old was denied a spot on Japan’s team for the 2017 Rio de Janeiro Olympics when he was found guilty of illegal gambling in Japan. His suspension was lifted in May, and was able to clinch the men’s singles title at the Japan Ranking Circuit tournament in June.
“I would like to thank a lot of people that have been helping me. I will give my best to win all my matches at the Canada Open,” said Momota.
Momota will meet No. 12 seed Mark Caljouw of Netherlands next.
