KUALA LUMPUR – “Aishiteru!” screamed local fans towards world number 2 Kento Momota as he exited the arena after losing to his fellow countryman Kanta Tsuneyama in the second round of the Malaysia Masters today.
Despite going out too soon, the crowd kept cheering for him for putting up a good fight against his 14th-ranked opponent – he went down in 50 minutes in a straightforward 21-15, 21-16.
Speaking to the media after the match, Momota admitted that he did not have enough reserve time and got tired from a two-week tournament.
“This was a really tough match against my compatriot. I could not win it.
“I don’t have enough reserve time. I admit I can no longer cope with back-to-back matches like before, where I could go on for 10 matches in a row, due to lack of endurance,” he said.
At the recently concluded Malaysia Open, Momota made it to the final against top seed Viktor Axelsen of Denmark but was crushed 21-4, 21-7 in 34 minutes.
“Right now, I need to figure out the best way to rest and recover so I do not lose my touch.
“I know my limitation, but I’m gradually catching up,” he added.
Tsuneyama will take on India’s H. S. Prannoy, ranked 19 in the world in the quarterfinal, whom he had lost twice in three meetings. – The Vibes, July 7, 2022
