Spills and Thrills! – HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2018: Review
One of the intriguing features of the recently-concluded HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2018 was that none of the title favourites could ride on their pre-tournament form and claim the title.
· DEV SUKUMAR
The top seeds in Women’s Doubles, Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi, did go on to capture the crown, but this was a category without distinct title favourites, unlike the other four in which a certain player or pair had dominated the season.
Kento Momota (featured image) was a stark example. The Japanese had a dream season, having returned to the circuit after a long layoff from the elite level, and for much of the season looked unstoppable. So unassailable was he when at his best that it looked unlikely he would have a strong challenger in the near future.
And yet, China’s Shi Yuqi virtually destroyed him in the Men’s Singles final. The Chinese blew in like a storm that blew Momota’s defences to smithereens. It will be interesting to see how this rivalry develops and if Shi can maintain this level of performance against Momota in the coming months.