Momota’s recovery delayed after surgery

TOKYO: Injured Japanese badminton world number one Kento Momota had surgery on a bone near his eye on Saturday -- dashing hopes of an early recovery, local media reported.

The 25-year-old Japanese -- hurt in a Malaysian car crash earlier this year -- was diagnosed with an orbital floor fracture after he said he suffered double vision during practice, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported.

Doctors anticipated the bone would take three months to fully heal, the station said, adding he had already been discharged following the surgery. Momota had prepared to return to action at the March 11 All England Championships but would miss the competition, NHK said. Instead he is expected to focus on treatment, it said, adding that his recovery was expected to be “considerably” delayed.