Tokyo: Former World No. 1 who is currently ranked World No. 18 Kento Momota defeated World No. 17 Kenta Nishimoto 21-11, 21-16 in the All-Japan Championships men’s singles final to win his fifth All-Japan title on Friday.
Momota was ruthless in his attack and was unpenetrable in his defense to ultimately clinch the title. Momota couldn’t hide his happiness as soon as he scored the championship point.
“This past year has been really tough. Nishimoto and I have spent a lot of time together (at training camps, etc.) and we know each other’s playing style very well,” said Momota.
“I wanted to win this very badly. Some people on the internet said that Momota’s era was over and that he should quit badminton. But I still want to continue playing badminton,” added Momota.
“I hope the fans could continue to support me, and I want to show them Kento Momota is stronger than ever,” explained Momota.
The Japan Championships was Momota’s first title of the season and it was also his first title since winning the Indonesia Masters on 21 November 2021.
Meanwhile, the reigning World Champion Akane Yamaguchi won the women’s singles title, and the 2021 men’s doubles world champions Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi took home the men’s doubles title.
Yuki Fukushima/Ayaka Hirota won the crown in women’s doubles, while Yuki Kaneko/Misaki Matsutomo claimed the mixed doubles title.
