KUALA LUMPUR (2 January, 2017): Muar BC boosted their chances of a top 6 finish after dismantling Klang City BC 15-1 in a strong performance during their SS Purple League (SSPL) 2016/17 match earlier today at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium, Cheras.
With other results going against them last week, Muar found themselves lurking just outside the top six slots.
And being one of the teams yet to complete their six round of SSPL matches, the pressure was building on Muar prior to their match against a young and energetic Klang City, who themselves are trying to make an impression in their debut season.
One notable inclusion to the side from Johor was the addition of Beijing Olympic gold medalist doubles specialist and South Korean International, Lee Hyo Jung. Making her first SSPL appearance alongside one half of Malaysia’s top ranked mixed doubles pair, Chan Peng Soon, the both looked in sync as they defeated Klang City’s young pair of Chin Kah Mun and Hoo Pang Ron in straight sets.
“I am excited about this partnership with Lee. We both gave our all and that resulted in a quick finish in our match. Every team would want to win the league. And that is our aim as well and we hope to achieve that come February,” said Peng Soon.
All in all, it was an easy day’s work for Muar as they cruised past a hapless Klang City team. Malaysia’s number 3, Zulfadli Zulkiffli got them to a good start as he easily beat Klang City’s Leong Jun Hao in straight sets during their first men’s singles match.
19 year-old Japanese international Saena Kawakami too beat the Klang City’s Finnish international, Nanna Alexandra Vainio in straight sets to put Muar in a comfortable position. And they did not let up there as Hoon Thien How and Teo Ee Yi won their doubles match against Klang City’s Low Hang Yee and Muhammad Sufiyuddin in similar fashion.
Muar’s South Korean import, Lee Hyun Il sealed the win with by beating Chin Wai Kin to wrap up a good outing for the Johoreans. However Chin managed to contribute a solitary point to Klang City in the match, before falling 1-3 to the veteran Lee.
“In this SSPL system, it is all about gaining points. And we are happy with the 15 points collected today which propelled us to third spot. Despite their team consisting of junior players, they really rose to the occasion and gave our players a run for their money,” said Muar’s team manager, Aaron Lee Inbaraj.
SSPL2016/17 Results (2 January 2017)
(4pm) Klang City BC lost to Muar BC 1-15
MS2: Leong Jun Hao lost to Zulfadli Zulkiffli 0-3 (6-11, 1-11, 6-11)
WS: Nanna Alexandra Vainio lost to Saena Kawakami 0-3 (7-11, 8-11, 2-11)
MD: Low Hang Yee-Muhammad Sufiyuddin lost to Hoon Thien How-Teo Ee Yi 0-3 (5-11, 7-11, 6-11)
XD: Chin Kah Mun-Hoo Pang Ron lost to Chan Peng Soon-Lee Hyo Jung 0-3 (8-11, 3-11, 10-11)
MS1: Chin Wai Kin lost to Lee Hyun Il 1-3 (4-11, 10-11, 11-9, 2-11)
SSPL2016/17 Fixtures (2 January 2017)
(8pm) Serdang BC vs Kepong BC
