KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 shuttler Kento Momota from Japan suffered a surprising defeat in the Malaysia Masters 2019 Men's Singles first round here on Wednesday.

In his first appearance in 2019, Momota lost to his compatriot Kenta Nishimoto 12-21, 21-14, 20-22.

Momota's defeat came as a surprise as compared to his impressing performances in 2018.

World No. 2 Shi Yuqi from China demolished France's Brice Leverdez during their first set by a wide margin of 21-9 but Leverdez rallied to take the second set 21-18.

The Chinese shuttler clinched the victory 25-23 in the third set. Shi will go on to face Thailand's Suppanyu Avihingsanon.

Meanwhile, Shi's teammate Chen Long also advanced to the second round, beating opponent Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong, China 2-0 and will meet Singapore's Jonathan Christie.