Close Shave for Momota – Singapore Open: Day 2
World No.1 Kento Momota held off a spirited fightback from Sai Praneeth to make the second round of the Singapore Open 2019 today.
· DEV SUKUMAR
Praneeth, playing an inspired game at the scene of his career’s biggest triumph – the Singapore Open of 2017 – had Momota in his sights but failed to pull the trigger on time. The Japanese wriggled free, victorious at 19-21 21-14 22-20 in 75 minutes.
The No.1 survived, but last week’s Malaysia Open champion Lin Dan retired from his first round against Viktor Axelsen while trailing 13-20.
Lin blamed cramps in his left thigh for his decision. “The Malaysia Open was quite intense and I played a few long matches. I felt cramps in my left thigh and didn’t want to risk serious injury before the Sudirman Cup,” he said.