Changzhou: World No. 1 Kento Momota of Japan fought Indonesia’s World No. 9 Anthony Sinisuka Ginting for three nerve-shredding sets before clinching the China Open title after a 90-minute battle.
The Indonesian moved swiftly to claim the first set 21-19 but Momota managed to regain his momentum to turned the table by taking the second set 21-17.
In the decider, while Momota was leading at 19-16, Ginting called for a medical time-out due to a painful feeling that happened on his right foot. After receiving treatment from the doctor, Ginting returned to the court and quickly garnered 3 consecutive points to tie the game at 19-19.
However, two mistakes from Ginting including an out of bound shot which allowed Momota to reach the championship point with 20-19, and a drop shot that didn’t cross the net had Momota collapsed on the center court and roaring with delight for winning the Super 1000 event.
“It was a very tight game, and I was under great pressure during the match because I told myself I had to win the match,” said Momota.
The China Open was Momota’s seventh title of the year, as he also extended his career meeting record against Ginting to 10-3 after Sunday’s victory.
“It’s going to be hard for me to beat Ginting if I am not able to build up a huge lead in the game next time we meet,” added Momota.
In men’s doubles final, World No. 1 Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo of Indonesia able to finish the job by outlasting compatriots Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan 21-18, 17-21, 21-15 for the victory. Mohammad Ahsan had to call a medical time-out early in the third set to treat the calf muscle pain that made him difficult to move on the court.
