19 Dec Ampang Jaya BC Secure Hard-Fought Victory

A mix blend of experienced shuttlers and youthful exuberance in the Ampang Jaya Badminton Club (BC) camp was the catalyst for their narrow 10-8 win over Cheras BC during their SS Purple League (SSPL) 2017/18 Phase 1 match earlier today at the Sports Arena Sentosa, Old Klang Road.

It was not the perfect start for Ampang Jaya BC though as their Vietnamese import, Nguyen Tien Minh was beaten in straight sets 0-3 (10-11, 6-11, 8-11) in the first men’s singles match of the tie by Cheras BC’s Chong Wei Feng.

Ampang Jaya BC’s Goh Jin Wei in action during her SSPL 2017/18 Phase 1 match against Cheras BC at the Sports Arena Sentosa, Jalan Klang Lama earlier today.

But national women’s Number 1, Goh Jin Wei proved too strong for her Cheras BC opponent, Nuntakarn Aimsaard as she registered Ampang Jaya BC’s first three points of the tie and of the SSPL 2017/18 campaign. Goh won her match comprehensively in straight sets 3-0 (11-4, 11-0, 11-2) in 13 minutes – surely a record that will not be easily matched despite the league being only two days old.

Ampang Jaya BC went on the ascendancy as their men’s doubles pair of Lukhi Nugroho and Muhd Syawal scrapped past Cheras BC’s Mohd Razif Latif and Mohd Arif Latif 3-1 (11-7, 11-9, 8-11, 11-8) in the third match of the tie.

The experienced head of Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist, Chan Peng Soon then steered Ampang Jaya BC even further ahead. He and his partner of the day, Ririn Amelia easily defeated Cheras BC’s Ahmad Maziri Mazlan and Payee Lim Peiy Yee 3-1 (11-6, 11-7, 8-11, 11-5) in the mixed doubles match.

However, Ampang Jaya BC’s Zulfadli Zukiffli could not keep up the good run of results for his team as he fell to Cheras BC’s Indonesian import, Tommy Sugiarto 1-3 (11-10, 4-11, 10-11, 4-6) in the last men’s singles match.

“Our opponents today might be young but they are talented. That is why Ririn and I did not take things easily and we ended up with the 3-1 win today,” said Ampang Jaya BC’s Chan Peng Soon.

“I have no problems with whoever I partner. It was Ririn today but it might be with someone else in coming games. Most importantly is that we form an understanding and chemistry to play together. I target a top three finish for my new team, Ampang Jaya BC and that we secure qualification to the Grand Finals in Resorts World Genting,” added Chan.

SSPL 2017/18 Phase 1 Results (19/12/2017)
(4pm) Ampang Jaya BC bt Cheras BC 10-8
MS2: Nguyen Tien Minh lost to Chong Wei Feng 0-3 (10-11, 6-11, 8-11)
WS: Goh Jin Wei bt Nuntakarn Aimsaard 3-0 (11-4, 11-0, 11-2)
MD: Lukhi Apri Nugroho-Muhd Syawal Mohd Ismail bt Mohd Arif Ab Latif-Mohd Razif Ab Latif 3-1 (11-7, 11-9, 8-11, 11-8)
XD: Chan Peng Soon-Ririn Amelia bt Ahmad Maziri Mazlan-Payee Lim Peiy Yee 3-1 (11-6, 11-7, 8-11, 11-5)
MS1: Zulfadli Zulkiffli lost to Tommy Sugiarto 1-3 (11-10, 4-11, 10-11, 4-6)