Japan Open 2022: Chico Get Rid Of Kento Momota In The First Round

Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo (Photo: PBSI)

JAKARTA The men's singles Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo managed to advance to the round of 16 of the Japan Open 2022 after defeating the second seed Kento Momota.

Chico managed to lower the host's representative in the 49-minute match which ended with the score, 21-15 and 22-20 at the Maruzen Intec Arena, Osaka, Japan, on Wednesday, August 31, 2022.

This is the second time Chico has won over the badminton player who has been ranked first in the world. Previously, he defeated Momota when they met at the Asian Championships in the last Arpil.

"I'm quite happy to be able to beat Momota again. I can enjoy on the field without thinking of having won against him," Chico said in an official statement quoted by VOI.

Chico was almost forced to play three games when he was 17-20 behind in the second game. However, he managed to get up and score five points in a row.

"He's a good player so I felt excited when I went on the field, I could meet him again. Earlier I tried to play more boldly, especially during critical points where I was 17-20 behind. Momota was even when the time was down, then I tried to take that opportunity," said Chico.

In the round of 16 later Chico will face Rasmus Gemke. This Danish representative penetrated into the second half after winning against the representative of Ireland, Nhat Nguyen.

"Obviously adding to my motivation for the next match. Hopefully in the round of 16 I can perform even better. From the start I was able to bring out the best game and enjoy every point," said Chico.

Chico is one of two Indonesian representatives who qualified for the round of 16 today. One other representative who also passed was Jonatan Christie.

Meanwhile, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting withdrew ahead of the Thailand representative Kunlavut Vitidsarn. The athlete from West Java failed to compete due to a back injury.