Japan's Kento Momota dropped to No. 2 in the latest Badminton World Federation men's singles rankings released Tuesday, relinquishing top spot for the first time in more than three years.
Denmark's Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Viktor Axelsen climbed one position to No. 1 after winning the Indonesia Open on Sunday. He lost the top rank to Momota in 2018.
The top-seeded Momota bowed out of the tournament in Bali with a round-of-16 loss to Singapore's Loh Kean Yew.
Momota, 27, became the first Japanese man to reach No. 1 in either singles or doubles in September 2018. His 121 weeks on top included a record 11 international titles in 2019.
After being seriously injured in a car accident in January 2020, Momoto saw his return to the world stage delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. He was favorite to win gold at the Tokyo Games but exited from the group phase in a major upset.
Related coverage:
Badminton: Kento Momota wins 1st tour title since 2020 car crash
Olympics: Japanese men's badminton singles top seed Momota knocked out
Olympics: Momota out to add highlight chapter to eventful badminton career
