KUALA LUMPUR: Former world No. 1 shuttler Kento Momota will be heading to the Petronas Malaysia Open (Jan 10 to Jan 15) in a buoyant mood.
The Japanese star was in his element when he claimed his fifth All Japan Badminton Championships title after downing compatriot Kenta Nishimoto 21-11, 21-16 in the final on Friday.
Kento had previously won the title in 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2015.
The 2018 and 2019 world champion is hoping to keep his momentum going.
"I hope everyone can (now) see a stronger Kento Momota," said Kento after the final.
"It's been a painful year and today I played a game that lived up to my own expectations.
"I'm aware that comments such as 'the Momota era is over' are making their rounds on social media and I understand why people say that. But I'm still playing and have no intention of calling it quits yet. I still want everyone to see my best performances.
"I hope everyone will continue to support and cheer for me."
The 27-year-old has struggled for form since he was involved in a road accident in Kuala Lumpur in early 2020.
He was shown the exit in the first round in six out of nine tournaments he played this year. As a result, his ranking dropped from No. 2 to No. 18.
The highlight of the year for Kento was reaching the final of the Malaysia Open this year, where he lost to Denmark's Viktor Axelsen.
Kento could face Axelsen in the last-16 at the upcoming Malaysia Open if he is able to overcome Frenchman Toma Junior Popov in his opening match.
Top-seeded Axelsen is set to begin his title defence against compatriot Rasmus Gemke.