Momota sailed through the draw without dropping a game. In the finals, he faced unseeded Khosit Phetpradab, who was competitive early in the first game. However, at 14-14, Momota pulled away with precise shots and went on to win the next seven points to take the first game. He continued his high level and came out with a 21-14, 21-11 victory in just 48 minutes.
In women’s singles, reigning World Champion and 2017 Japan Open Champion Carolina Marin (ESP) faced former World Champion and 2015 Japan Open champion Nozomi Okuhara (JPN). The two had met ten times in their careers before today's final, with Okuhara leading the series 6-4. Today’s match reflected that parity, as the pair traded leads throughout the first two games forcing a third game to be the decider. In the third game, Marin’s spirit didn’t waiver, and the Spaniard ran away with the game and the 21-19, 17-21, 21-11 win to defend her title.
In men's doubles, world No. 1 Marcus F Gideon and Kevin S Sukamuljo (INA) brought their signature style of kinetic, dizzying-pace badminton in the finals against Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen (CHN) and reasserted their dominance in men’s doubles. In just 38 minutes, the pair stormed away with a 21-11, 21-13 victory.
World No. 1 women’s doubles pair Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota (JPN) also made short work of their opponents in the finals. The hometown favorites defeated Wang Yilyu and Jia Yifan (CHN) 21-15, 21-12 to capture their first Japan Open title.
For full match details, go here.
Kento Momota: ASTROX 99, AEROBITE, POWER CUSHION 65 Z MEN
Carolina Marin: DUORA Z-STRIKE, AEROBITE, AERUS 3
Marcus F. Gideon: ASTROX 88 D, BG65 TITANIUM, AERUS 3
Kevin S. Sukamuljo: ASTROX 88 S, BG80, AERUS 3
Yuki Fukushima: ASTROX 88 S, BG80, POWER CUSHION 65 Z LADIES
Sayaka Hirota: ASTROX 88 S, NANOGY95, POWER CUSHION 65 Z LADIES