BA of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director Wong Choong Hann has urged the national shuttlers to be ready for the tough challenge. World No 1 Kento Momota and his Japanese counterparts will return to action for the first time this year at the world’s oldest tournament.

“Although the All England is not an Olympic qualifying event, it will be different from the previous tournaments this year.

“It will only get tougher from here when the rest of the world returns to competitive action,” said Choong Hann.

For Momota, it will be his first international tournament since his near-fatal road accident in Malaysia last year. Barring any upsets, the Japanese ace will face Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the quarter-finals on Friday.

“Our players are in good spirit, and they are ready for the competition. I am looking forward to it,” added Choong Hann.