Puchong United BC retain Purple League title

GENTING HIGHLANDS, Jan 27 (Bernama) — Puchong United Badminton Club (Puchong United BC) ended their season on a high note after retaining the Purple League 2018/19 title with a 10-6 win over Kepong BC in the final at the Arena of Stars, here, today.

Today’s victory saw Puchong United BC walk away with RM520,000 in prize money and championship trophy, presented by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong and Purple League Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Jack Koh while Kepong BC earned RM265,000.

In today’s action, it was Kepong BC who drew first blood as national shuttler Soong Joo Ven whipped Goh Giap Chin 3-1 (8-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-10) in the men’s singles event to give Kepong BC a dream start.

However, Puchong United BC took the lead in women’s singles event after 2010 Youth Olympics silver medallist Deng Xuan of China trashed Qin Jin Jing 3-0 (11-10, 11-10, 11-6) to make it 4-3.

Puchong United BC’s winning momentum continued thanks to a 3-1 (11-9, 11-10, 11-10) win contributed by Mak Hee Chun-Tan Boon Heong over Mads Conrad Petersen-Rian Agung Saputro.

Falling three points behind, Kepong BC’s fate depended on their mixed doubles pair Cheah Yee See-Ricky Karandasuwardi but they could not match the dexterity shown by Tang Chun Man-Eom Hyewon,  losing in 2-3 (7-11, 11-10, 11-10, 10-11, 1-2), thus closing their chance to taste the title.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Puchong United BC team manager Irina Inozemtseva said she was delighted with the fantastic performance by her charges while acknowledging that the final was a tough fight but enjoyable.

She also praised her players for displaying a spirited fight against Kepong BC to create history by winning the title for two straight seasons.

“It was an amazing show...the whole season of the league I believe this is the best game ever. Our team did an amazing job and my heart skipped a few bits today.

“The team unity was the key for us to perform well and win this competition. Our goal before the league started was to become a legend and leave a legacy behind. Our players knew that,  so that’s why they treated every single match as very important,” she said.

WINNERS LIST:

Champion: Puchong United BC (RM520,000)

First Runner-Up: Kepong BC (RM265,000)

Third Placing: Petaling BC (RM185,000)

Fourth Placing: Ampang Jaya BC (RM160,000)

Fifth Placing: Tebrau City BC (RM130,000)

Sixth Placing: Serdang BC (RM110,000)

Seventh Placing: Bukit Mertajam All Stars BC (RM70,000)

Eighth Placing: Bandar Maharani BC (RM60,000) 

-- BERNAMA