Petaling Jaya finally get the prize after finishing second twice
We are the champions: Petaling Jaya BC players and manager celebrate after beating Puchong United BC in the final to secure the SS Purple League title in Genting Highlands yesterday. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
GENTING HIGHLANDS: Third time’s certainly the charm for Petaling Jaya BC.
The two-time runners-up finally emerged champions of the SS Purple League as they came from behind to topple favourites Puchong United BC 13-9 in a thrilling final at the Arena of Stars here yesterday.
Petaling Jaya found themselves trailing 4-6 following Dani Harsheel Alpesh’s 6-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-7, 8-11 defeat to Chou Tien-chen and Deng Xuan’s 11-10, 11-9, 9-11, 8-11, 0-5 loss to Tai Tzu-ying in the opening men and women’s singles ties.
But experienced men’s doubles pair Koo Kien Keat-Kim Sa-rang inspired Petaling Jaya’s fightback by handing Lim Khim Wah-Tan Chee Tean an 11-5, 11-9, 11-9 defeat.
Shin Baek-cheol-Woon Khe Wei then claimed an unlikely victory against the more illustrious Yoo Yeon-seong-Christinna Pedersen, beating their Puchong United opponents 5-11, 11-8, 11-9, 11-9 to put Petaling Jaya on the brink at 10-7.
Needing just a game to seal the title, the stage was all set for Petaling Jaya captain Goh Giap Chin, a former international, to emerge the hero as he faced Soo Teck Zhi in the fifth and final tie.
And the 24-year-old Giap Chin was in his element, battering the former Asian Junior champion in less than five minutes to clinch the all-important game and earn his side an unassailable lead. Giap Chin went on to win 11-4, 11-8, 7-11, 9-11, 11-8.
“I’m not the only hero, everyone in Petaling Jaya BC are heroes,” said Giap Chin.
“I’ve got to thank all my team-mates. They fought so well in their respective ties to put me in a pressure-free situation against Teck Zhi.”
Petaling Jaya team manager Manoj Kumar was over the moon after watching his side defy the odds to win the league.
“Petaling Jaya BC may not boast a strong squad that is comparable to Puchong United, BU Dragons and Petaling but we do have a team formed by the most hardworking group of players in the league,” said Manoj.
Petaling Jaya took home the RM500,000 top prize while Puchong United settled for RM250,000.
In the third-placing match, two-time champions Muar BC beat debutants BU Dragons 11-6 to claim RM170,000.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2017/02/13/we-are-no-1-petaling-jaya-finally-get-the-prize-after-finishing-second-twice/#UDlJ8Hi2Ufc88dPJ.99
