JAKARTA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Reigning world champion Kento Momota of Japan was surprised by Indonesian shuttler Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in straight sets in men's singles round of 16 at the 18th Asian Games here on Saturday.
Ginting forced a decider when the two players last met in team semifinals, before Momota spurted midway through the decider for his victory.
However, the Asian Games gold medal favorite failed to restrain Ginting's attack throughout their rematch, and he was troubled a lot by the home favorite's smashes. The Indonesian triumphed 21-18, 21-18 in 59 minutes.
Momota made history by becoming the first Japanese male player to claim a title at the World Championships earlier this month.
The Japanese sensation had missed 15 months of international badminton due to gambling. The former world No. 2 flew high after his comeback, with the 2018 Asian and World Championships titles in hand.
He also led Japan into the Thomas Cup final this year before losing to China, while keeping his winning record intact.
He overcame several prominent names on his marching way, including Olympic champion Chen Long, last year's world champion Viktor Axelsen and China's top-ranked Shi Yuqi.
Ginting will take on Chen Long in Sunday's Asian Games quarterfinals.
