London: World number one Kento Momota lived up to his top billing as the top seed as he defeated Denmark’s Vicktor Axelsen in a thrilling three game encounter to win the All England badmintion championships on Sunday. Momota created history of sorts by becoming the first Japanese shuutler to win the prestigious tournament.
In the women’s draw China's Chen Yufei stunned defending champion Tai Tzu Ying to be crowned the women's champion. Tai had been looking for an historic hat-trick of titles and Chen admitted she didn't expect to come off court as a winner against such an illustrious opponent.
Momota who is the reigning world champion, Asian champion and world number one added another glittering trophy to his kitty. The 24-year-old held his nerve to win 21-11, 15,21, 21-15 against Denmark's Viktor Axelsen to win the men’s singles title clash.
"Winning this tournament has been a dream from my childhood and having won this it is a really big moment in my life, and gives me a lot of confidence," Momota said.
"The second game I played defensively against some very powerful shots from Viktor but in the final game I knew I couldn't carry on like that.
"So I didn't play particular tactics I just gave all I had and did my best." Momota hopes his success can inspire more Japanese players to excel at the sport. "I hope this win will help raise the badminton level in Japan. I'm going to keep improving myself so that everybody can be helped along with me," he added.
The women's singles title is back in Chinese hands for the first time in five years after Chen shocked defending champion Tai Tzu Ying.