KUALA LUMPUR (20 January, 2017): Petaling Jaya BC is optimistic of their chances of capturing the SS Purple League (SSPL) 2016/17 title as they go up against neighbours, Petaling BC in the first round of the SSPL 2016/17 Stage 2 which will happen from the 9th to 12 January in Genting Highlands.
Petaling Jaya, who finished runners-up of the Purple League last season is expecting a tougher path to the final this time as they first face the challenge from a Petaling side led by Yap Kim Hock in their first knockout round match.
If they manage to beat Petaling, they will then go up against a strong BU Dragons BC side in the last four.
Petaling Jaya’s team manager, Yeoh Kay Lun is embracing the strong fixtures his side will be facing in Genting as he is confident his team can spring a shock or two.
“I think facing Petaling BC is going to be a very tough matchup as they have been consistently strong in all the categories,” said Kay Lun.
“Eventhough we lost to Petaling in the league stage, I still believe in my players and their capabilities to produce a result this time. I am confident because our doubles pairs are really strong, so I hope that our players will be able to contribute and give their best shot when called upon,” added Kay Lun.
However, he also expressed his disappointment at the absence of Thai international, Bodin Issara who formed a formidable partnership with Koo Kien Kiet in the Men’s Doubles category as he has to miss the finals due to his commitment to other tournaments.
“It is sad that we do not have the services of a promising player like Bodin Issara during the finals. His departure really hits us – some changes to the team were mandatory,” he said.
Nevertheless, the team manager is looking forward to his new signings making an immediate impact to his Petaling Jaya team as he hopes to reach the final of the SSPL 2016/17 Stage 2. He is confident that their new faces can steer them through all to way to the final, even going one better to win the title this season.
“We have managed to strengthen the team with two new key signings. Two South Korean players, Kim Sarang and Shin Baek Cheol have pledged to play for us in Genting while we also have a new men’s singles player on board – India’s Dani Harsheel. Signing these players gives us a good chance of reaching the final,” added Kay Lun.
In the round robin stage, although Petaling Jaya suffered a 7-11 defeat to Petaling, they managed to secure fourth place finish as compared to their rivals, Petaling who could only finish sixth.
As the round robin stage ends, the top 6 teams in the league will battle out in the knockout stage which will take place from the 9th to 12th of February, in the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands. The bottom four teams will be competing in order to determine the 7th to 10th placing of the SSPL 2016/17 season.
