Japan’s badminton world No 1 Kento Momota was knocked out in the group stages at the Tokyo Olympics on Wednesday, a day after Japanese tennis superstar Naomi Osaka also went on women’s singles in tennis.
Unseeded South Korean Heo Kwang-hee, 25-year-old world No 38, beat Momota 21-15, 21-19, ending the favourite’s bid for the Gold medal after just two matches in the group phase.
“I’m thankful for all the support that I have received,” Momota is quoted as saying after the match by the BWF.
“I’m sorry I could not fulfil all the expectations that people had of me.”