MALAYSIA OPEN: ‘CLOSE TO FINDING MY ANSWER,’ SAYS MOMOTA
MALAYSIA OPEN: ‘CLOSE TO FINDING MY ANSWER,’ SAYS MOMOTA. Kento Momota, the world No. 2 Japanese tennis player, reached the PETRONAS Malaysia Open 2022 final two and a half years after a life-changing event occurred in Malaysia.
The victory versus Kunlavut Vitidsarn, 21-11 21-12, was a very easy one for him, given it was only his second completed match of the week.
It’s been a tough road for Momota since the vehicle accident he was in after winning the Malaysia Masters in January 2020. However, his return has seen him reach two more finals, including one at the Indonesia Masters in November 2021, which he then went on to win. When it comes to him, the Malaysia Open means something else entirely: it suggests that he is close to finding the “solution” that he has been searching for.
In response to Momota’s statement, “I’m really delighted to come back here after all the bad experiences I’ve had,” “Tomorrow, I promise to do my best for the people who helped me when I was in pain. I had no faith in myself during today’s game. I just focused on not making any errors and attempting to return the shuttle to my opponent’s court. Even if I don’t feel confident about tomorrow, I’ll try my best for the folks who are cheering me on. “
Momota’s life has been shaped by the accident, and he detailed how it had affected him:
It feels like I’ve been robbed of everything. I started over from scratch. Everything I had gathered up to that point had vanished. Badminton used to be one of my favorite sports, but recently it’s become one of my least favorites. So far so good for me, and I’m coming closer to the answer to the question that has been on my mind. I believe I’ve taken the next step in my career. My health has improved significantly during the past few months. I don’t care who I face in the final. It is impossible for me to be either too relaxed or too tight.”
In the weeks leading up to the semifinals, Vitidsarn had played two exhausting matches.
This was Vitidsarn’s debut match, and it went the distance in three games. Wasn’t able to keep up with the pace of life. Kento was a joy to see as he controlled and maneuvered with such ease. I had a difficult time controlling the shuttle. The first three matches were good for me, so I’m still satisfied.
Momota will face Viktor Axelsen in the Malaysia Open final on Sunday, who beat Jonatan Christie 21-15, 20-22, 21-11 to reach his seventh final of the year.
Tai Tzu Ying was haunted by old demons as she lost to Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei 19-21 21-13 21-15 after making a slew of unforced errors.
It was an extraordinarily inconsistent performance by the world No. 2 who lost the match after leading 12-5 and a game. Despite Tai’s 9-3 lead in the second game, Chen won 16 of the next 17 points to claim the match.
Even though she led today, Tai, who suffered an injury on a dive in the third game, said that she didn’t control the shuttle properly. “I’m hoping to be back to my best by the end of the week. “I’m pleased with the crowd’s support.”
Ratchanok Intanon, a foe against whom Chen is 15-2, will be Chen’s next opponent.
Other Highlights
It was created by Apriyani Rahayu and Siti Fadia Silva They overcame Jeong Na Eun/Kim Hye Jeong of Korea 21-14, 22-20, to reach their second final in three competitions. In their second major final, Zhang Shu Xian/Zheng Yu will face them.
They are one win away from their fifth consecutive title. After defeating Mathias Christiansen/Alexandra Boje, the Olympic silver medalists face world champions Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Sapsiree Taerattanachai.
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