08 Feb Defending Champions March On

Petaling Jaya Badminton Club (BC) breezed into the SSPL 2017/18 semi-final after dispatching Ampang Jaya BC 9-4 in their quarterfinal match at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting earlier today.

Ampang Jaya BC got off to a blistering start courtesy of Tan Jia Wei’s straight sets (11-6, 11-7, 11-10) win over Petaling Jaya BC’s captain, Goh Giap Chin in the first men’s singles match. Giap Chin, who was the backbone of the Petaling Jaya BC side last season looked nervous throughout the entire match as he made many unforced errors.

Petaling Jaya BC cut the lead to just one point after the second match of the tie. Their Thai import, Supanida Katethong put on an assured performance to beat Ampang Jaya BC’s Xu Wei 3-1 (11-8, 8-11, 11-10, 11-6) in the women’s singles match.

Petaling Jaya BC’s Kim Sa Rang returns a shot towards his opponent while his mixed doubles partner, Lim Chiew Sien looks on during their SSPL 2017/18 quarterfinal match against Ampang Jaya BC at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting earlier today.

The defending champions quickly put a foothold on the game as they regained the lead thanks to their men’s doubles pair, Kim Gijung and Chooi Kah Ming’s 3-0 (11-10, 11-7, 11-8) drubbing over Ampang Jaya BC’s Lukhi Apri Nugroho and Muhd Syawal Ismail.

Kim Sa Rang and Lim Chiew Sien then wrapped up the win for Petaling Jaya BC with another 3-0 (11-2, 11-8, 11-4) win, this time in the mixed doubles match against Ampang Jaya BC’s Ch’Ng Choo Han and Ririn Amelia.

“Going into this match, we were the stronger side on paper. We were under a little bit of pressure to perform up to expectations. But the players backed it up especially the mixed doubles pair,” said Petaling Jaya BC’s head coach, Yeoh Kay Lun.

“We saw what the overwhelming pressure can do to the players. Our first men’s singles, Giap Chin was an example. That is why straight after the first match I told my players to control their emotions and they will be able to dictate the tempo of their respective matches,” he added.

Petaling Jaya BC will meet Puchong United BC in tomorrow’s semi-final in a repeat of last year’s final.

“We know how strong Puchong United BC are based on their performances in the previous stages. I can only hope that my players can give it their all and give them a good fight,” said Kay Lun.

SS Purple League 2017/18 Finals Results (8 February 2018)

(4pm) Quarterfinals #1
Ampang Jaya BC lost to Petaling Jaya BC 4-9
MS1: Tan Jia Wei bt Goh Giap Chin 3-0 (11-6, 11-7, 11-10)
WS: Xu Wei lost to Supanida Katethong 1-3 (8-11, 11-8, 10-11, 6-11)
MD: Lukhi Apri Nugroho-Muhd Syawal Mohd Ismail lost to Chooi Kah Ming-Kim Gijung 0-3 (10-11, 7-11, 8-11)
XD: Ch’Ng Choo Han-Ririn Amelia lost to Kim Sa Rang-Lim Chiew Sien 0-3 (2-11, 8-11, 5-11)

SS Purple League 2017/18 Finals Fixtures
8 February 2018
(8pm) Kepong BC vs Petaling BC

9 February 2018
(4pm) Petaling Jaya BC vs Puchong United BC
(8pm) Kepong BC/Petaling BC vs Cheras BC