Struggling Momota exits Indonesia Masters at first hurdle

Jakarta (AFP) – Kento Momota crashed out in the first round of badminton s Indonesia Masters on Wednesday, just the latest early exit for the two-time world champion.

Unseeded Momota, whose career has been in freefall since a car crash three years ago left him badly hurt, went down 21-18, 21-7 to China s 27th-ranked Shi Yuqi in Jakarta.

Once badminton s undisputed king, Momota is now ranked 19th in the world and looks a shadow of the player that won the world championships in 2018 and 2019.

Following a poor 2022, the 28-year-old s new season began with him withdrawing from the Malaysia Open and then crashing out of the India Open in the first round.

"In the beginning, I was playing well. However, in the middle of the match, my opponent increased his attacks and I was put under pressure by his play today," Momota said after defeat to Shi, in what was a repeat of the 2018 world championships final.

On that occasion Momota won, but those heady days seem a long time ago now.

"I failed to play as I had expected," he added.

Momota is determined to get back to his former position at badminton s summit, even though his form continues to disappoint.

"I am now trying to recover and maintain my mental condition, so I will not get pressured easily," said Momota.

Momota was involved in a car crash that killed his driver on the way to the airport after winning the Malaysia Masters in January 2020.

It left Momota with a fractured eye socket and double vision, with his form dipping on his return to the court.