Japan advanced to the quarterfinals of the Asian Games men’s team event after a convincing 3-0 win over Malaysia in the first round at the Istora Senayan this morning. World champion Kento Momota gave Japan a smashing start when he easily disposed of Liew Daren 21-13, 21-14.
Speaking to the media after his match, Momota praised the attacking game of his opponent but added that he defended well. Momota, who had defeated Liew Daren in the semi-finals of the world championships, said his focus was now on preparing for the next match. But he went on to declare this: “We will win the gold medal”.
Japan picked up their second point when Takeshi Kamura-Keigo Sonoda turned in a fine performance against Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong. The higher ranked Japanese pair won 21-18, 21-18. It was all over for Malaysia after Kenta Nishimoto secured the third point after easing past up and coming singles player, Lee Zii Jia. Kenta won 21-17, 21-18.
For their efforts, Japan will next meet either Korea or Thailand, who are down to battle in the evening session today.
In the other men’s team match in the morning session, Nepal shot off to a 2-0 lead before Rizwan Azam hauled Pakistan back into the game when he defeated Nabin Shrestha. In the end Nepal won the fourth tie and advanced with a 3-1 win.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong China were handed a walkover after a no show from Mongolia. Hong Kong China will face topseed and favourites China in the quarterfinals tomorrow.
In the women’s event, Chinese Taipei advanced to the quarterfinals after scoring a convincing 3-0 victory over Pakistan this morning. Tai Tzuying grabbed the first point after defeating Mahoor Shahzad 21-14, 21-17. Pai Yu Po and Chiang Ying Li went on to secure the next two points assure them the win.
In another women’s team match, Nepal led 2-0 before Maldives battled back and sensationally claimed a hard-fought 3-2 win.
MEN’S TEAM
Japan bt Malaysia 3-0
Kento Momota bt Liew Daren 21-13, 21-14
Takeshi Kamura-Keigo Sonoda bt Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong 21-18, 21-18
Kenta Nishimoto bt Lee Zii Jia 21-18, 21-17
Nepal bt Pakistan 3-1
Ratnajit Tamang bt Muhammad Irfan Saeed Bhatti 21-12, 21-11
Dipesh Dhami bt Azeem Sarwar 21-16, 21-10
Nabin Shrestha lost to Rizwan Azam 21-13, 18-21, 15-21
Dipesh Dhami- Ratnajit Tamang bt Rizwan Azam-Sulehri Kashif Ali 21-17, 17-21, 21-5
WOMEN’S TEAM
Maldives bt Nepal 3-2
Fathimath Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq lost to Nangsal Tamang 17-21, 15-21
Aminath Nabeeha Abdul Razzaq lost to Jessica Gurung 21-15, 23-25, 17-21
Neela Najeeb bt Rasila Maharjan 22-24, 21-15, 21-16
Aminath Nabeeha Abdul Razzaq-Neela Najeeb bt Jessica Gurung-Nangsal Tamang 21-19, 19-21, 21-17
Fathimath Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq-Moosa Aminath Shahurunaz bt Amita Giri-Rasila Maharjan 21-13, 21-11
Chinese Taipei bt Pakistan 3-0
Tai Tzuying bt Mahoor Shahzad 21-14, 21-17
Pai Yu Po vs Sehra Akram 21-5, 21-6
Chiang Ying Li vs Ghazala Saddique 21-6, 21-7