Hard-working Momota into Hong Kong semis

HONG KONG: Top-ranked Kento Momota knocked out Asian Games champion Jonatan Christie to reach the Hong Kong Open semi-finals on Friday after being stretched to three games for the third match in a row.

The reigning world champion found extra reserves of strength for his 22-24, 21-9, 21-9 win over Indonesia’s Christie, who fell away after winning a close first game.The Japanese star started slowly before igniting his challenge by winning a lightning quick rally at the net, clawing back to within three points of Cristie at 17-20.

Momota won four of the next five points before conceding the game.Christie quickly fell behind in the second game after some misjudged taps into the net, before overcompensating on his forehand and sending several shots wide.The top seed was dominating by the time the second game was over, and he wrapped up the decider in 15 minutes.