The Malaysian Open badminton tournament, set to take place at the Axiata Arena starting Tuesday, will not be greatly impacted by the absence of Japanese player Kento Momota, who has withdrawn due to flu, according to former men’s singles champion Datuk Lee Chong Wei. Despite being ranked No. 16 in the world, Momota’s withdrawal will not significantly affect the competition as all of the top 10 ranked players will still be participating, said Chong Wei, who has won the Malaysian Open title 12 times.
When asked if Momota’s compatriot Kodai Naraoka, ranked No. 7, could challenge for the title instead, Chong Wei said he did not think so and that other Japanese players may make it to the quarter-finals or semi-finals, but not fight for the title. Instead, Chong Wei is hoping for strong performances from Malaysian players Lee Zii Jia (ranked No. 2) and Ng Tze Yong (ranked No. 25).
Independent player Liew Daren, ranked No. 31, will take Momota’s place in the main draw and will face No. 23 ranked Toma Junior of France in the first round. The Japanese team has also suffered the withdrawal of women’s doubles pair Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara, ranked No. 8, due to Nagahara’s foot injury.
