KUALA LUMPUR: Two-time champion Lee Chong Wei suffered a 21-19, 21-14 defeat to Japan's Kento Momota in the semi-finals of the Asia Championships in Wuhan on Saturday.
BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria said: "We already knew it would be tough for Chong Wei in the match as Momota showed good form by defeating Shi Yuqi of China and Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan in the opening rounds.
"Momota is a rising star in the sport. He was World No 2 before he was suspended (for gambling)," he said.
It was Chong Wei's first defeat to Momota in their first meeting since 2014.
Chong Wei won the Asian title in 2006 and 2016.
Momota, 23, will play reigning Olympic champion Chen Long in the final on Sunday.
Chen Long defeated India's HS Prannoy 21-16, 21-18 in the other semi-final match.