Tokyo: Former World No. 2 Kento Momota who had his dream of playing at his first official international tournament in more than a year at U.S. Open evaporated as he was not included in the men’s draw.
Momota’s world ranking was erased completely from Badminton World Federation (BWF) after he was suspended for illegal gambling last April by the Nippon Badminton Association. Ever since his suspension was lifted on May 15th this year, he has decided to play at the U.S. Open, and thought he could start from the qualifying round. However, since the U.S. Open did not have a qualifying draw, and there were a limited number of entries in all categories, he was denied admission into the U.S. Open main draw.
Fortunately, Momota has registered for the Canada Open. Since he lacked the ranking needed to enter big tournaments or to start straight in the main draw, he will begin his Canada Open bid from the qualifying rounds.
The 2017 U.S. Open Badminton Championship offers total prize money of USD $120,000, while the 2017 Canada Open offers total prize money of USD $65,000.
The US Open does not pull in the very top Badminton stars for obvious reasons. When it does the prize money and attendance will be over the top. That would put it on the top amongst the crown jewlels of this awesome sport. Also the venue would perhaps be a major location in par with the elite badminton venues worldwide.
It’s way overdue for Badminton to get the exposure it deserves in the US.