Jakarta: After World Championships silver medalists Shi Yuqi of China went down to home shuttler Jonatan Christie in men’s singles second round, playing in front of a raucous crowd, the reigning World Champion Kento Momota was stunned by another Indonesian shuttler Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in straight sets at the 18th Asian Games on Saturday.
Kento Momota who was previously aiming for the men’s team and men’s singles gold medal, defeated Ginting 14-21, 21-14, 21-16 in the men’s team semi-finals four days ago, but the Japanese team ended up losing to Indonesia 1-3. This time, with the cheers and support from the home fans, Ginting outlasted Momota 21-18, 21-18 in 59 minutes to reach the final 8.
“Thanks God that I could win today’s match against Momota,” said Ginting.
“My coach and I tried a new strategy today and it worked. Of course, I am more focused in today’s game,” added Ginting.
Ginting will take on Chen Long in Sunday’s Asian Games quarterfinals.
In other men’s singles round of 16 match, South Korea’s Son Wan Ho, who is now the highest ranked men’s player left in the tournament, overcame Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia 21-11, 21-17 to meet Kenta Nishimoto of Japan on Sunday.
