Re-posting this here for those who don't follow the "Badminton in Japan" thread. Momota's latest match from last weekend's S/J League QF against Sakai Kazumasa. Looks like he changed his hair back to black and lost the headband.
Looking forward to watching Momota-san playing at the German Open next week. Drawn against Nishimoto in first round means he is facing a very familiar opponent and should win.
Just in case anyone is interested in Momota's psyche following his loss at the Olympics (and can understand Japanese), let me share his latest Twitter post. The content may explain, partially, the obstacles he faces in returning to the top, even now.
I think Momota has lost his hunger to train hard. Sloppy footwork and no power in the highlight video I watched at 720p.
KM’s 2019 world tour season began with a first round loss to Nishimoto. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
His life feels like an anime story - he just needs someone he really cares about to tell him ganbare or something now. Seems like the blow at the Olympics was very very very hard on him. Watch some Haikyuu damn it
I used to have a strong feeling of "I must do it, I must do it" However, now when I have to do it, I do it and when I need to rest, I will do it Unless it's the French Open, of course, and I see an opportunity to injure myself for zero points, zero $, zero World Tour Finals and zero World Championships. Then I will still do it. I mean, I got back for the Indonesia tournaments, but the old trusty ways of attaining injury through overplaying still worked a charm.
