Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia poses during the awarding ceremony for the men's singles event at the Malaysia Badminton Open 2018 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 1, 2018. Lee Chong Wei beat Kento Momota of Japan in the final by 2-0 and claimed the title of the event. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung)
KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian shuttler Lee Chong Wei beat Kento Momota in the Malaysian Open finals on Sunday, ending the Japanese rising star's winning streak since his return from a one-year suspension while bagging his 12th title at the tournament.
Lee finished the match, which was filled with drama and upturns at 21-17, 23-21, after 71 minutes. In the second game, Momota caught up with Lee from a six points behind and nearly reversed the game. But Lee, who told reporters later that he was fighting for every point, managed to defend his advantage with several net shots.
Lee admitted that if he had to fight the third game, he probably would have lost to Momota, who is 12 years younger of his age.
Momota said Lee is still a dominant player in the men's singles category, though Lee has said that with the retirement of old players like himself and Lin Dan, the future belongs to rising stars like Victor Axelsen and Momota.
When asked about when he is ready to hand the baton to the youngsters, Lee jokingly said: "I still can." He said he will play the Indonesian Open next week, but could not promise any better results.
"I just want to keep injuries at bay and enjoy the game," he said.
