# Japanese ace linked to betting in illegal casino in Japan
# Concedes walkover to England’s Rajiv Ouseph in second round in Malaysia Open
By Rizal Abdullah
Hours after giving an interview following his first round win over India’s H.S. Prannoy in the Malaysia Open on Wednesday, Japanese ace Kento Momota was on the plane to Tokyo after he was given the green-light by the referee to withdraw from the tournament.
The former junior world champion thus conceded a walkover to England’s Rajiv Ouseph in the second round which is scheduled to be played on Thursday.
Japan coach Park Joo Bong said Momota had to return home due to “very personal problems” without wanting to elaborate on the matter when asked on Momota’s sudden departure.
However, it was learnt that Momota’s pullout has been linked to betting in illegal casino in Japan with another Japanese player Kenichi Togo who played in the 2012 London Olympics.
An article in the Sankei Shimbun in Japan reported that “as illegal casinos are linked to organised crime” there is a possibility Momota may miss the ticket to the Rio Olympics.
The world No 4 won the India Open Superseries in New Delhi last week was one of the favourites in the Malaysia Open.
He is a strong contender for a medal in Rio together with China’s Chen Long and Lin Dan and Malaysia’s Datuk Lee Chong Wei.
Momota won the junior world title in 2012 and has won four Superseries titles in his illustrious badminton career so far.Â
PHOTO: Kento Momota and Kenichi Tago on their arrival at Narita Airport on Thursday
