Big names Kento Momota (Japan) and Lee Zii Jia (Malaysia) crashed out today in the first round of the Yonex Japan Open 2022.
While Zii Jia fell prey to India’s seasoned player Srikanth Kidambi, Momota lost to Indonesia’s rising youngster Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo.
Kidambi told BWF, “For me, it was more about being consistent. I’ve been close before playing against him. At one point I was leading 15-11 in the first game and he was playing some attacking shots, but for me, I needed to play consistently.
“I couldn’t give away any easy points. I feel really happy. I’m definitely tired, but I’m looking forward to playing my next match.”
Wardoyo also shared insights on his match with Momota in the post match interview.
He said, “I defeated Momota in our last meeting and I learned a lot from that match that I brought into my game plan. The strategy was to play attacking shots against him and close down the court. I think there’s more in the tank from me, there’s more to come, for sure. I’m really happy with how I played.”