BANGKOK: Kento Momota may not have won the Thomas Cup for his country, but his return back to the top following a suspension speaks volume of a shuttler destined to be a star. As a result, Momota, who was tipped to be a medal contender, missed the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as well as the Thomas Cup in Kunshan, China, where Japan failed to defend their title from 2014. This year, Momota announced his return to the top flight when he saw off reigning Olympic champion Chen Long in the final of the Asian Championships in Wuhan, China. Once again a member of the Japanese men's team, Momota led the country to their second Thomas Cup final in Bangkok. Momota will now be the player to beat at the upcoming World Championships and Asian Games.

Source: New Strait Times May 28, 2018 09:56 UTC