Wee Kiong (left) and Yong-dae in action in the Purple League on Sunday. - Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Doubles shuttler Tan Wee Kiong had mixed fortunes on the final day of the Resorts World Genting Purple League.
Wee Kiong teamed up with Lee Yong-dae of South Korea for the first time to dump younger brother Tan Wee Gieen and Ow Yao Han with a 11-3, 11-8, 11-9 win for Muar City Badminton Club (BC) at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands.
But their feat ended in vain when Puchong United BC staged a remarkable comeback to snatch a narrow 9-8 win, thanks to Angus Ng Ka Long’s superb performance in the deciding match.
Angus shocked Lee Hyun-il 11-5, 4-11, 11-10, 11-8 to inflict Muar City BC their first-ever defeat in the league.
Earlier, Puchong’s Liew Daren and Ayumi Mine won their men and women’s singles matches while Muar’s other win came through Chan Peng Soon-Lee Hyo-jung in the mixed doubles.
Angus’ win ensured Puchong United a third spot and a prize money of RM200,000 ahead of Cheras BC.
Cheras had hoped for Puchong to lose by a big margin so that they can take the third spot but the latter pulled off a surprise.
The setback on the last day of the league failed to dampen Wee Kiong’s team. They still walked away with a whopping RM1mil after emerging as the league champions for the second year in a row.
Muar BC celebrating their win in the Purple League.
Wee Kiong said that it was an incredible finish to the league.
“My rival in the international stage (Yong-dae) became my partner and my brother (Wee Gieen) became my opponent. It was really interesting since I have not played against my younger brother,” said Wee Kiong.
“I just felt nice and comfortable playing alongside Yong-dae. He was just super fast on the court.
“My brother, Yao Han and all the other juniors should dream big and keep fighting against star players. They must not let nerves get to them. They must learn from these experience.”
Wee Kiong gave credit to Puchong BC for their fighting spirit.
“They fought all the way to end our unbeaten run. What a roller-coaster ride it was for both the teams but Puchong had a better finish today,” he said.
“Muar have done consistently well over the last two months to retain the title. Every member of the team from the players, officials and coaches deserve a pat.”
The top eight teams will now vie for the Champions Challenge which will be held at the same venue on Tuesday.
