Coach Momota inspires victory over Malaysia Masters champ

Two-time world champion Kento Momota has proven he still possesses a major influence off the court after the Japanese inspired his student to a big upset at the ongoing Japan Open.

Currently serving as a player-coach for his club NTT East Japan, Momota was on coaching duties as his player Yushi Tanaka took on Chinese star Li Shi Feng in the men's singles first round on Wednesday.

Before the match, Momota encouraged Tanaka by telling him: “Make sure you decide which shot you’re going to hit. Once you have decided, hit it without hesitation.”

The Japanese men’s singles shuttler followed Momota’s advice and went on to create the Super 750 event’s early upset after shocking Li 21-17, 19-21, 21-15.

Granted Li has not been in good form since winning the Malaysia Masters title back in May, but the credit certainly belongs to Tanaka and Momota for their efforts.

Tanaka, ranked 19th, proved his first-round win was no fluke after the shuttler also beat Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu to advance to the quarter-finals.

As for Momota, the former world number one remains a hugely popular figure as he was kept busy during a meet-and-greet session where he signed autographs and took pictures with fans.