Tokyo: Shortly after he defeated Viktor Axelsen in the final of India Superseries last year, former World No. 2 Kento Momota had to abruptly withdraw from last year’s Malaysia Open due to an alleged illegal gambling investigation started by the Nippon Badminton Association.
The 2015 World Championships bronze medalist had not played in more than one year ever since Nippon Badminton Association (NBA) punished him with an indefinite ban last April that rendered him ineligible to compete in any tournaments.
Fortunately, the suspension was lifted May 15th, and Momota has confirmed he will return to the international tournament in July of this year.
“I will participate at Canada Open (Calgary) opening on 11th of July with special permission from the Nippon Badminton Association, and US Open (Anaheim) on July 19th at my own expense. These will be my first international tournaments since the Malaysia Open last April,” said Momota.
