India Open: Momota Can’t Shake Off the Blues
It has become a familiar sight now – hands on hips; the quizzical look at his coach; the contemplative steps between points. The look of a man with an enormous weight on his shoulders.
· DEV SUKUMAR
It was always going to be a difficult start to the year for Kento Momota as he faced Rasmus Gemke in the opening round of the YONEX SUNRISE India Open 2023. Having pulled out of last week’s PETRONAS Malaysia Open due to a bout of influenza, Momota’s hopes for starting 2023 on a bright note were dashed as he fell in his first match of the year.
Momota’s 21-15 21-11 loss to Gemke made this his seventh first round loss in 10 tournaments. He did show some glimpses of his golden touch, eliciting applause from the sparse crowd, but overall he struggled with all aspects of his game. Gemke regularly found the winners past the despairing Momota.
“I found it difficult to control the shuttle,” said Momota. “I’ve recovered from the influenza; physically I felt all right. I just need to work harder for the rest of the year.”