PUBC ends 2018 with a bang, goes top of SSPL 2018/19

CYBERJAYA (30 December 2018): Puchong United Badminton Club (PUBC) ended 2018 with a bang, wresting top spot from Ampang Jaya Badminton Club (AJBC) with a 13-7 win over Serdang Badminton Club (SBC) to put them in the driving seat with two matches remaining in the SS Purple League 2018/19.

Earlier, AJBC was provisionally top after winning 15-4 over strugglers, Bandar Maharani Badminton Club (BMBC) going five for five, thus maintaining its 100% record. AJBC are now second and are looking good to take up another remaining automatic slot for the final round in Resorts World Genting.

Stalwart, Goh Giap Chin fought through the pain barrier, opening accounts for PUBC with a 3-1 (9-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-6) over China’s Liu Zejia.

Up and coming Indonesian starlet, Lyanny Alessandra Mainaky then won her match 3-1 (11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 5-4) against rising star, Ho Yen Mei in the women’s singles to leave the tie in the balance, 4-4.

Men’s doubles, Lim Khim Wah-Ong Yew Sin put PUBC in front after a barnstorming performance against Malaysian-Chinese pairing, Lwi Sheng Hao-Tianyi Pei, winning 3-1 (7-11, 11-6, 11-10, 11-4).

Hong Kong-Malaysian pairing, Ng Tsz Yau-Tan Kian Meng then made sure of the overall victory, with a win over the Malaysian pair, Yap Cheng Wen-Yap Qar Siong, 3-1 (10-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-9) for an unassailable 10-6 lead for PUBC.

Hong Kong rising star, Lee Cheuk Yiu put the gloss on an overall dominant display by the defending champions with a 3-1 (11-3, 11-5, 10-11, 11-3) result over Wang Yihui from China.

PUBC manager, Irina Nozemtseva had high praises for Giap Chin, who was declared unfit to play by the medical staff and team officials but he still soldiered on for the priceless three points.

“The doctors and officials said he cannot play but he managed to overcome his sickness and deliver the points.

“I am proud of the courage that he has shown. They say money can buy players, but cannot buy a team. If he didn’t play, we would have to concede a walkover.

“For our next two matches, if we get 15 points (against Bandar Maharani BC), the game against Petaling BC will decide the top two places for the round robin stage,” added Irina.

The top two teams at the end of the round robin stage will directly go to the final round in Resorts World Genting on the 24-27 January.