Despite having a phenomenal 2019 with 11 titles to his name, but Kento Momota is already feeling the heat as he prepares for a massive 2020 beginning with the Malaysia Masters, taking place from January 7 to 12.
The reigning world champion declined to speak to reporters after Japanese shuttlers tested the courts at the Axiata Arena on Monday.
According to Japan head coach Park Joo-bong, Momota was heavily pressured after he was swarmed by the Japanese press on the first day of training on January 1.
"70 members of the media were present on our first day of training, so you can understand how he feels.
"Everyone wants to beat him this year. It’s one player against five or six players who are in full fighting spirit when they play him.
"He is a big target for rivals such as Chou Tien-chen, Shi Yuqi, Anthony Ginting, Anders Antonsen," said Park.
With the 2020 Olympics taking place on the Japanese world number one's home turf, the pressure can be overwhelming, even for someone seemingly unbeatable at the moment.
Momota’s haul of 11 titles in 2019 was the most by a male shuttler in a year.
After winning 67 of his 73 matches in 2019, the 25-year-old would surely aim to continue that impeccable form this year.
These records should serve as a big motivation for the southpaw with his sights set on gold in Tokyo.
"His main aim is to win at the Olympics, and he is our favourite to clinch gold.
"At the last Olympics, Japan won one gold and one bronze. Our aim this year is to bring home one gold and one silver at the very least.
The national team's biggest target is to deliver at the Olympics. There is the Thomas and Uber Cup this year as well, but there is a big difference between the levels of quality of both events," added Park.
Japan won gold through women’s doubles Misaki Matsutomo-Ayaka Takahashi in Brazil four years ago.
Momota charts that journey beginning with a first round match against India’s P.Kashyap at the Malaysia Masters on Wednesday.
(Picture credit: asiana.my)
The reigning world champion declined to speak to reporters after Japanese shuttlers tested the courts at the Axiata Arena on Monday.
According to Japan head coach Park Joo-bong, Momota was heavily pressured after he was swarmed by the Japanese press on the first day of training on January 1.
"70 members of the media were present on our first day of training, so you can understand how he feels.
"Everyone wants to beat him this year. It’s one player against five or six players who are in full fighting spirit when they play him.
"He is a big target for rivals such as Chou Tien-chen, Shi Yuqi, Anthony Ginting, Anders Antonsen," said Park.
With the 2020 Olympics taking place on the Japanese world number one's home turf, the pressure can be overwhelming, even for someone seemingly unbeatable at the moment.
Momota’s haul of 11 titles in 2019 was the most by a male shuttler in a year.
After winning 67 of his 73 matches in 2019, the 25-year-old would surely aim to continue that impeccable form this year.
These records should serve as a big motivation for the southpaw with his sights set on gold in Tokyo.
"His main aim is to win at the Olympics, and he is our favourite to clinch gold.
"At the last Olympics, Japan won one gold and one bronze. Our aim this year is to bring home one gold and one silver at the very least.
The national team's biggest target is to deliver at the Olympics. There is the Thomas and Uber Cup this year as well, but there is a big difference between the levels of quality of both events," added Park.
Japan won gold through women’s doubles Misaki Matsutomo-Ayaka Takahashi in Brazil four years ago.
Momota charts that journey beginning with a first round match against India’s P.Kashyap at the Malaysia Masters on Wednesday.
Come on down to Axiata Arena & show your support for Aaron-Wooi Yik ?#PMM2020#WorldTour#BadmintonMalaysia#BadmintonLovers pic.twitter.com/9t7NyhKnxw
— BAM (@BA_Malaysia) January 5, 2020
(Picture credit: asiana.my)
