Momota back on court in Saitama

Former world #2 Kento Momota is back in action this weekend, playing in a domestic tournament for the first time in over a year.

Story and photos by Miyuki Komiya, Badzine Correspondent live in Saitama

Many fans and members of the media were waiting at the door for Momota’s appearance on Saturday.  The venue was the Japan Ranking Circuit Competition and it is being held in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture from May 27 to 31.  When the former world #2 came into the hall, the spectators gave him a big round of applause to welcome him back to elite badminton competition.  His last appearance was at the 2016 Malaysia Open, which he left prematurely to face disciplinary action from the Nippon Badminton Association.

Momota participated as the #8 seed, playing for his corporate team NTT East.  In the first round, faced off against Shu Wada, a former team-mate of his on the company team.  Momota showed some of the great skill that his fans well remember and won 21-7, 21-8 in straight games.

After the match, Momota lowered his head deeply and bowed 5 times to the crowd, in all four directions and toward the court.

In the press conference, Momota said: “Actually, I was in nervous and couldn’t sleep until midnight yesterday but I could relax a bit because many spectators gave me a big hand when I came onto the court. Many people have supported me on and off the court during my time of suffering and I realized I love badminton very much.

“This time, I focussed on playing my best one match at a time, with thankful feeling to all.”