Ex-world champ Momota ends retirement for King Cup Invitational
KUALA LUMPUR: Former world No. 1 Kento Momota will return to competition at the King Cup Invitational in Shenzhen from Dec 26-28, a year after announcing his retirement.
KUALA LUMPUR: Former world No. 1 Kento Momota will return to competition at the King Cup Invitational in Shenzhen from Dec 26-28, a year after announcing his retirement.
The two-time world champion retired after the 2024 Thomas Cup but revealed his intention to play again during the Penang Badminton Association's (PBA) centenary celebration last month.
Momota's career, highlighted by a record 11 titles in the 2019 season, was derailed by injuries from a road accident after winning the 2020 Malaysia Masters.
The accident affected his vision and led to his retirement at age 29.
The 31-year-old will face a competitive field in Shenzhen, including world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China and Denmark's Anders Antonsen (world No. 3).
Indonesia's Jonatan Christie (No. 5), France's Alex Lanier (No. 7). Singapore's Jason Teh (No. 21), Canada's Victor Lai (No. 22), and China's world junior champion Liu Yang Ming Yu will complete the eight-man knockout tournament.
The event may indicate whether Momota, who also underwent back surgery this year, is returning for a single appearance or a full World Tour season next year.
