PUBC wins rematch of SSPL final, bounce back from AJBC defeat

CYBERJAYA (28 December 2018): Defending champions, Puchong United Badminton Club (PUBC) showed that they won’t give up the SS Purple League title easily when they repeated their victory over Kepong Badminton Club (KBC) in the 2017/18 final, this time 11-8 on Day 7 Stage 1 SSPL 2018/19 at the Gem In Mall, Cyberjaya tonight.

Reminiscing memories of their 10-8 win over KBC in the previous finale at Resorts World Genting, PUBC again pulled out all the stops and in the process bounced back from their 6-9 defeat to Ampang Jaya Badminton Club (AJBC) on Boxing Day.

Two time national champion, Lim Chi Wing set Kepong BC on their way with a 3-0 (11-4, 11-7, 11-5) comprehensive win over SSPL stalwart, Goh Giap Chin.

Up and coming national junior, Ho Yen Mei then put points on board for PUBC with a 3-1 (11-6, 11-9, 1-11, 11-9) win over Hong Kong’s, Yeung Sum Yee in the women’s singles.

Former national player, Tan Boon Heong then showed he still has what it takes, partnering Teo Ee Yi to devastating effect, overcoming world no 26, Lu Ching Yao-Yang Po Han from Taiwan, 3-1 (11-6, 11-8, 10-11, 8-6) to put PUBC 6-5 in the lead.

Goh Liu Ying, in her second outing with Hong Kong international, Tan Chung Man, put in a dominant display to extend PUBC’s lead to 9-6 with a 3-1 (11-4, 8-11, 11-10, 11-4) win over Malaysia’s mixed doubles pair, Cheah Yee See-Mohd Arif Ab Latif.

Lee Cheuk Yiu from Hong Kong, then had to settle for a draw with Malaysia’s, Soong Joo Ven in the men’s singles, 2-2 (11-5, 10-11, 11-8, 9-10) but it was enough to see PUBC through at the end of the buzzer.

“It was a bit disappointing as we let our opponents steal points in the men’s doubles, mixed doubles and men’s singles. This is important as we haven’t yet played one more strong team yet, Petaling BC and the points difference will be crucial later on,” said Irina Nozemtseva, manager of PUBC.

In the earlier match, star studded Ampang Jaya Badminton Club (AJBC) snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to record their fourth consecutive win, 10-9 against newcomers, Tebrau City Badminton Club (TCBC).

Even without their superstars, AJBC still had enough firepower to finish off the job and in the process maintaining their 100% record, making them hot favourites for this year’s edition. AJBC got their points from experienced pair, Chan Peng Soon-Shevon Lai Jemie  and national player, Lee Zii Jia.