V Shem out to prove a point, KBC stayed in the hunt for top 2 in SSPL 2018/19

CYBERJAYA (2 January 2019): Professional player, Goh V Shem is out to prove a point in the SS Purple League 2018/19.

The doubles player who recently turned independent, was in fiery form as he and partner, Shia Chun Kang trashed compatriots, Ng Eng Cheong-Tan Wee Gieen, 3-0 (11-8, 11-8, 11-3) to put Petaling BC 9-2 in the lead against Tebrau City Badminton Club (TCBC) on Day 10 Stage 1 at the Gem In Mall, Cyberjaya today.

“My performance here is a great help to me in finding sponsors as an independent player. I always try to perform my best in all tournaments,” said V Shem, who usually partners Tan Wee Kiong in international tournaments.

His win, coupled with Chong Yee Han (men’s singles), Gabriela Meilani Moningka (women’s singles), Chen Tang Jie-Peck Yen Wei (men’s doubles) and Cheam June Wei (men’s singles) made it a clean sweep for Petaling BC, their second 15-4 success after their win against Bandar Maharani Badminton Club (BMBC).

Petaling BC are now leading the standings, followed by Puchong United Badminton Club (PUBC) and Ampang Jaya Badminton Club in third. The top two teams after the end of Stage 1 will automatically qualify for the final round to be held on 24-27 January at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting.

Opening men’s singles, Chong Yee Han put Petaling BC in the lead when he defeated China’s rising star, Ye Binghong, 3-2 (11-8, 9-11, 5-11, 11-7, 9-4)

World number 355, Gabriela Meilani Moningka from Indonesia extended Petaling BC’s lead by defeating up and coming Chinese shuttler, Xu Wei, 3-0 (11-6, 11-4, 11-9) in the women’s singles for a 6-2 advantage.

In the mixed doubles, local pair, Chen Tang Jie-Peck Yen Wei made sure of the result when they won 3-1 (11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 11-3) against compatriots, Low Hang Yee-Soong Fie Cho for an unassailable 12-3 lead.

National junior shuttler, Cheam June Wei put the icing on the cake when he defeated Yeoh Seng Zoe, 3-1 (11-6, 11-10, 7-11, 11-2) to put Petaling BC back on top, pipping PUBC who were leaders at the end of 2018.

“We are confident in our capabilities to finish in the top two, but I will need to talk to the players and remind them to not be overconfident.

“We are in a good position, but we don’t want to lose focus as we will be facing Serdang BC, which has a strong team and Puchong United which is very strong,” added manager, Ismail Saman, a former national singles shuttler.

In a later match, Kepong Badminton Club (KBC) stayed in the hunt for the top 2 automatic spots to the final rounds when they won 10-7 against Bukit Mertajam All Stars BC. The win propelled KBC up one spot to fourth with 52 games won up till now.