China's Lin Dan beaten by Momota of Japan at first round of China Open

CHANGZHOU - China's Lin Dan suffered an early exit at the 2019 badminton China Open as he was beaten in the first round by top seeded Kento Momota of Japan on Tuesday.

Lin, who turns 36 in October, lost to the 25-year-old Momota 14-21, 14-21 in 49 minutes in front of his home fans. Momota controlled the game with easiness and left the Chinese veteran no chances.

"The result could be different if I did better in details," Lin said in frustration. "I was not as patient as him. I had prepared a lot but I didn't perform that well."

The lethargic Lin admitted that the lack of energy might have caused the failure, but "the reason was acceptable".

Despite the disappointing loss, the two-time Olympic champion is still eyeing for one of the maximum two tickets in the men's singles for Tokyo 2020.

"The rule is simple: the one who gets more points, gets the ticket. I can only choose to overcome all the difficulties," Lin added.