NANJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Title contender Kento Momota snatched a 21-13, 21-12 victory over Russia's Artem Pochtarov in his first appearance at the 2018 BWF World Championships in Nanjing, setting up a good start for his trophy challenge.
The Japanese star dominated the majority of the match with his brilliant technique and quick footwork, and above all, his sharpness in front of the net. Pochtarov challenged the world no.7 with his thunderous smashes, but his hasty attacks cost him several precious points, especially in the second game when he was 5-3 down.
"The first match was an easy win. I feel very good now. [I] hope I can win all the matches; I want to win," the 22-year-old said afterwards.
Kento Momota has been in great form this year. He was crowned champion at the 2018 Asia Championships in Wuhan after triumphing over four top 10 players including Shi Yuqi, Chou Tien Chen, Lee Chong Wei and Chen Long. He avenged his defeat to Lee Choi Wei at the Malaysia Open and bested world no.1 Viktor Axelsen in the final to claim the 2018 Indian Open title.
"I don't take the attention at home and abroad as pressure but instead [I treat it as] motivation," Momota said, attributing his achievements to the training with the Japanese national team.
Returning from a 15-month ban, Kento Momota is now hoping to make history and become the first Japanese player to win the World Championships.
