28 Sep Thai Starlets Using JPL to Gain Valuable Experience

KUALA LUMPUR (28 September 2017): Several of Thailand’s up and coming badminton talents believe that the Junior Purple League (JPL) is the best platform to gain as much valuable experiences and develop their badminton abilities to become future professionals.

One rising star that represents the Thailand U19 team, Chasinee Korepap spends most of her career competing in Malaysia compared to her home country especially in the JPL as she has played for a few clubs here in a span of 3 years.

Petaling BC’s girls’ singles player, Chasinee Korepap in action during this season of the Junior Purple League at Sports Arena Puchong.

“A few years ago, I came to Malaysia to play in a tournament when my talent was noticed by Yap Kim Hock who I trained under while playing for Klang United in the JPL before switching to Petaling BC.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the JPL where I can compete with players from many foreign countries; a priceless experience for a young player. Back in Thailand, most junior tournaments will only feature local players,” said Chasinee.

Chasinee who have just recently been called up to the Thailand U19 team also expressed her pleasure of seeing badminton fans in this country always in attendance to show their support even though being it a junior tournament.

“I noticed that in Malaysia, fans are more supportive towards badminton even from grassroots level. Back home, fans tend to only visit football matches,” she said when interviewed during the second leg of the JPL2017.

Another aspiring Thai shuttler, Suprapich Silprakob is certain that playing in the JPL will provide her the best platform to further sharpen her skills and gain the perfect exposure for her age.

Suprapich said, “Playing in the JPL is a stepping stone for me in the badminton scene. I am able to compete with more experienced and skilled junior players especially from Malaysia and gain valuable insights about the sport.

“This is my second year playing in the JPL and the exposure I received got me selected for the Thailand junior team which will be competing in the World Junior Championships in Indonesia next month,” added Suprapich.

Suprapich also stated that it is difficult for players her age to find proper junior tournaments in Thailand as most of the events are organized for the senior players.

Suprapich Silprakob will be looking to gain as much experience playing in the Junior Purple League 2017.

“In Thailand, there are no leagues such as the JPL because organizers tend to focus on the more senior and established players. I have gained a lot of experience here and learnt how to cope with the pressure of competing in a team. It is challenging because my performance plays an impact on the entire team’s result,” said the 17 year old.

Meanwhile, Mr. Korepap who is an agent for most of the Thai players in the JPL believes that the league definitely make these youngsters better players and increases their quality of game play.

“I am convinced that Thailand has many talented players in this sport but there are not many exposure outlets there since badminton is mostly dominated by only the elite clubs and players need a strong financial backing if they want to join these academies”.

“Most of the junior tournaments are U23 which is a huge gap and an uphill task for players who are still in their teens. That is why I personally feel that the JPL is the perfect platform for hopeful youngsters wanting a competitive experience,” said Korepap, who is also Chasinee’s father.

For the record, this season of the JPL features more than 10 players from Thailand in addition to the other foreign juniors from China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Laos and Myanmar.

JPL2017 is about to crown this edition’s champions as the league enters its third and final leg this weekend (30 September – 1 October) at Sports Arena Puchong.

JPL 2017 Final Leg Fixtures (Saturday, 9/30/2017)

9am (Division 2)

Bangsar Hawks BC             vs        Bukit Gambir BC

Ayer Itam BC                       vs        Desa Petaling Eagle BC

Amanjaya BC                       vs        Georgetown BC

Subang BC                            vs        Tebrau City BC

12pm (Division 1)

Cheras BC                            vs        Petaling BC

Bandar Maharani BC         vs        Petaling Jaya BC

Ampang Jaya BC                 vs        Puchong United BC

Rawang BC                           vs        Serdang BC

3pm (Division 2)   

Bukit Cheras BC                  vs        Bukit Gambir BC

Bangsar Hawks BC             vs        Desa Petaling Eagle BC

Ayer Itam BC                       vs        Georgetown BC

Amanjaya BC                       vs        Subang BC

JPL 2017 Final Leg Fixtures (Sunday, 10/1/2017)

9am (Division 1)   

Kepong BC                            vs        Petaling BC

Cheras BC                             vs        Petaling Jaya BC

Bandar Maharani BC         vs        Puchong United BC

Ampang Jaya BC                 vs        Rawang BC

12pm (Division 2)

Bukit Cheras BC                  vs        Desa Petaling Eagle BC

Bangsar Hawks BC             vs        Georgetown BC

Ayer Itam BC                       vs        Subang BC

Amanjaya BC                       vs        Tebrau City BC

3pm (Division 1)

Kepong BC                            vs        Petaling Jaya BC

Cheras BC                             vs        Puchong United BC

Bandar Maharani BC         vs        Rawang BC

Ampang Jaya BC                 vs        Serdang BC