The Unpredictable and Fascinating Development of Badminton Men’s Singles in the Post Lin Dan-Lee Chong Wei Era

Kento Momota (Japan, 24 years of age)

Kento Momota

Kento Momota is the perfect role model for every young shuttler. He began to make headlines in 2014 after playing a major role in Japan’s historic Thomas Cup triumph. When fans thought that Momota would shine in Rio Olympics, the Japanese was suspended from the national team following a disciplinary issue, a disaster which could have ended his bright career.

Fortunately, the suspension made Momota stronger than ever. Not only did he return to the national squad in eighteen months, but he has also earned a significant breakthrough in 2018. Since April, he has won four titles – including the World Championship.

Throughout these six months, he has defeated almost all top players in straight sets. Unsurprisingly, his mesmerizing form has propelled him to the top of the world ranking for the first time in his career.

Momota’s dramatic story resembles that of Lee Chong Wei a few years ago, with his setbacks came earlier in his career thus allowing him to grow as a player. Today’s Momota is almost a complete player – he possesses the explosiveness of Lin Dan as well as the technical prowess of Lee Chong Wei.

His reading of the game is immaculate and consistency on court has made him a nightmare for most of his opponents. Momota is on course towards fulfilling his biggest dream of winning the Olympics on home soil. The only caveat is that he needs to figure out a way to overcome Anthony Ginting.