Agency :
World No. 1 Kento Momota stayed on the winning track by seeing off Prannoy H. S. 21-15, 21-14 to reach the quarterfinals in the Badminton All England Open on Thursday.
Momota, 26, took part in his first tournament in 13 months in Birmingham after suffering a car crash in January, 2020 and then being forced to withdraw from the events in Thailand earlier this year due to a positive test for Covid-19.
The Japanese ace said he was satisfied with his performance and believed he has tried his best. “He was a very tough player but I assess my play as good today.”
As the reigning world champion and 2019 All England Open winner, Momota was regarded as the hot favorite to win this event as well as the postponed Olympic Games in Tokyo.
“I have no pressure particularly. I played my own game and I’ll continue to play my own game for the rest of the tournament,” said Momota.
Defending champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark came from behind to beat Indian Sai Pranneth 15-21, 21-12, 21-12.
