Bangkok: Former World No. 1 and two-time World Champion (2018, 2019) – Kento Momota of Japan showed utmost respect to Japan’s opponent – Malaysia ahead of their Thomas Cup last Group D clash on Wednesday, by complementing the winner of the 2022 Asia Team Championships as one of the strongest team in the 2022 Thomas Cup Finals.
Both Malaysia and Japan have confirmed their places in the quarter-finals of the 2022 Thomas Cup after securing their second consecutive victories by beating the United States 5-0, and England 5-0 respectively on Tuesday.
Nevertheless, Momota promised to play his best against Malaysia on Wednesday so that he could help Japan emerges as the champion of Group D.
“I will give my best and will try to help my team overcome Malaysia,” he told Malaysian media.
Momota also admitted that he was low on confidence recently, a shocking admission for a player who has always seemed so self-assured.
“I was nervous playing against Toby Penty in today’s match against England before I found my rhythm to win 21-18, 21-11,” said Momota.
“I hope to play better and more comfortably in upcoming matches,” added Momota.
Both Malaysia and Japan last met at the 2020 Thomas Cup Group D tie on 14, October 2021 in Aarhus, Denmark, and the Japanese team defeated Malaysia 4-1. Momota scored the first point for Japan by overcoming Lee Zii Jia 15-21, 21-12, 23-21.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Uber Cup team recorded its first victory in the 2022 Uber Cup Finals on Tuesday when it beat Egypt 5-0. The Malaysian women’s team finished third in Group C after that win.
