TOKYO: Masters champ Hideki Matsuyama has become the latest Japanese star to express doubts about this summer’s Olympics, saying he has “mixed feelings” about holding the event given a virus surge in Japan.

His comments come after tennis star Naomi Osaka said she was “not really sure” the pandemic-postponed Tokyo Games should go ahead, with fellow player Kei Nishikori also urging a discussion on the wisdom of staging the event.

Speaking before the US PGA Byron Nelson tournament, Matsuyama said he wanted to “aim for the gold” in Tokyo, but admitted he was in two minds.

“I don’t know what to say. If it can really be held safely, I’d like to aim for the gold medal. But there are a rising number of infections in Japan and it’s in a bad situation,” said Matsuyama.

“For some people it’s only once every four years… I want those people to be able to participate, but when you look at the situation Japan is in, I have mixed feelings.”

Organisers insist the Games can be held, and have released rulebooks they say will ensure the safety of participants and the Japanese public.

AFP