Momota's COVID-19 positive forces Japan out of Thai events

Top-ranked Kento Momota’s positive test for COVID-19 at Narita Airport forced Japan to withdraw its players from upcoming international badminton events in Thailand.

two-time singles world champion was scheduled to compete in two Thailand Open series events from Jan. 12-17 and Jan. 19-24 and $1.5-million World Tour Finals from Jan. 27-31 in nthaburi.

But Badminton Association of Thailand President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul said 26-year-old Momota tested positive after practicing with his teammates in Tokyo on Saturday, prompting entire team to cancel ir trip to Bangkok.

“On behalf of organizers, I deeply appreciate decision of Japanese team to have to withdraw from competition over health concerns for or participants," Patama said. “I wish all members of Japanese team strong health and safety and hope to see m back on courts soon.”

absence of Japanese team is a furr setback for tournaments after China anunced its withdrawal last week.

Badminton World Federation said Thailand Open series and World Tour Finals, already delayed by pandemic, will proceed as planned.

three BWF events in Thailand will be organized under bubble quarantine policy. Players are required to remain in restricted areas throughout ir stay in Thailand.

Momota won All-Japan Championships title in December in his return to competition following injuries he sustained in an auto accident after a tournament in Malaysia last January.

Im credits: AP