CHENGDU: Kento Momota came into the 2024 Thomas Cup Finals with high hopes of bowing out of international badminton in a blaze of glory.
Instead, he could only watch helplessly from the sidelines as Malaysia sent Japan packing 3-1 in the quarter-finals at the Chengdu High-Tech Sports Zone Centre here Thursday night.
As the Malaysian players rushed onto the court to mob second doubles pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani after they delivered the winning point, the two-time men’s singles world champion from Japan cut a forlorn figure, contemplating the turn of events.
What made it even more disheartening for the 29-year-old Momota was that he walked away from the international scene without even hitting a shuttlecock. Fielded by his country at third singles, his services were not needed once Sze Fe-Nur Izzuddin had delivered the winning point for Malaysia.
Had the Malaysian second doubles pair lost, Momota would have had the chance to become Japan’s hero in the deciding match against Justin Loh.
Despite the defeat by Malaysia, Momota said he was proud of his teammates’ efforts throughout the tournament.
Reflecting on the heartbreaking exit, Momota admitted to finding solace in the comforting words of his coach, Park Joo Bong.
“They (his teammates) did their best here, so I am very thankful to them. Coach Park comforted me because I was not able to play last night,” he told a press conference here Friday.
Momota had harboured hopes of lifting his second Thomas Cup with Japan after helping his country claim their maiden title in the 2014 edition by edging Malaysia 3-2.
The two-time Badminton Asia Championships winner was also grateful for his stellar achievements, adding that it filled him with pride and honour each time he kissed the Japan flag on his jersey after every triumph.
Momota also said that he thoroughly enjoyed his battles with the world’s top shuttlers and thanked his fans worldwide for their unwavering support over the years.
Momota’s decision to retire from international competition comes after a challenging period following a car crash on the Maju Expressway in Malaysia in early 2020.
Despite extensive physical training post-accident, he found it difficult to return to peak form.
During his illustrious career, Momota captured 11 titles in 2019, including the World Championships in Basel, Switzerland.
His exceptional performance in 2019 earned him recognition from the Guinness World Records for the most men’s singles titles in a badminton season.
The former world number one, however, will still play in domestic competitions as he aims to inspire youngsters to follow in his footsteps.
