King Cup 2025: Shi Yuqi Spoils Momota’s International Return in Straight Sets

Highlights

• A Legendary Comeback: Kento Momota made a thrilling and nostalgic return to international badminton for the first time since his retirement, facing the ultimate test against current World No. 1 Shi Yuqi.
• A Competitive First Game: The match was a gripping “clash of eras,” with Momota showcasing his classic skills and pushing Shi Yuqi to the limit in a nail-biting first game that was decided in the final points (21-19).
• A Moral Victory: Despite the straight-sets loss, Momota’s passionate performance and enduring talent were met with roaring applause, making his dignified return the real win of the day for fans.

Day 1 of the King Cup 2025 gave the badminton world something truly special: the return of a legend. In a moment that felt both nostalgic and thrilling, Kento Momota stepped back onto the international court for the first time since his emotional farewell to the BWF tour in May 2024. And who better to test his comeback spirit against than the current World No. 1, Shi Yuqi?

While the match ended in a straight-sets victory for Shi Yuqi (21-19, 21-15), the real story was seeing Momota back in action, giving it his all against the very best.

More Than Just a Match

This wasn’t your average first-round game—it was a gift to fans, orchestrated by none other than the tournament organizer himself, Lin Dan. It felt like a beautiful clash of eras, a chance to see if Momota’s legendary skills could still challenge today’s top player.

And challenge him he did! The first game was an absolute nail-biter that had everyone on the edge of their seats. We saw flashes of the classic Momota: incredible court coverage, clever net play, and those long, patient rallies that were his trademark. He pushed Shi Yuqi every step of the way, and it was only in the final points that Shi managed to sneak ahead to take the game.

The World No. 1 Shifts Gear

As the match went on, the toll of facing such intense, world-class competition after a year away started to show. Momota never stopped fighting for every single point—his heart was clearly in it—but Shi Yuqi’s powerful, fast-paced game gradually took control. Shi used his speed and aggression to keep the pressure on, eventually building a lead in the second game that secured his win.

A Victory in Its Own Way

Sure, the scoreboard shows a loss, but the arena told a different story. Momota was met with nothing but warm, roaring applause. For everyone watching, this was about so much more than points. It was a joy to see his brilliant tactical mind and that famous “flexible movement” on display again. He proved he can still hang at the highest level, and for fans, getting to see the two-time World Champion compete like this one more time was the real win of the day.