GENTING HIGHLANDS (9 February 2018): Kepong Badminton Club (BC) today came up with crucial performances to seal a place in the SS Purple League (SSPL) 2017/18 final after defeating Cheras BC 10-4 in the second semi-final at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting.

Kepong BC, brimming in confidence after their morale-boosting win yesterday, started the brighter side. Their Indian import, Dey Subhankar extended his giant-killing form by beating Cheras BC’s Tommy Sugiarto in the first men’s singles match 3-2 (11-10, 8-11, 9-11, 11-9, 4-2).

Qin Jin Jing’s straight sets win in the women’s singles extended Kepong BC’s lead as the Chinese international defeated Cheras BC’s Shiori Saito 11-7, 11-7, 11-8. Shiori was visibly shook and struggled to find her footing throughout the match.

The Chinese Taipei pair of Liao Min Chun and Su Ching Heng put Kepong BC within touching distance of a place in the SSPL 2017/18 final after defeating Cheras BC’s Tan Boon Heong and Tan Wee Gieen 3-1 (8-11, 11-10, 11-10, 11-9).

Cheah Yee See and Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub delivered the knockout blow to Cheras BC as their 1-1 (6-11, 11-10) draw in the mixed doubles match against Terry Hee Yong Kai and Pia Zebadiah Bernadet was enough to see Kepong BC through to the final.

“It’s definitely shocking that we have made it this far. But I have to credit our players whose fighting spirits were just phenomenal and that played a big part in our journey to the final,” said Kepong BC’s head coach, Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif.

“I always remind our players to just play their best as we are the underdogs. And that is exactly the same scenario we will find ourselves in this Sunday as we face another strong team in the form of Puchong United BC,” he added.

The result sets up a mouth-watering clash between Kepong BC and heavyweights, Puchong United BC this Sunday’s final which will be held at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting.

Earlier in the day, Puchong United BC defeated defending champions, Petaling Jaya BC 10-3 in the other semi-final.

SS Purple League 2017/18 Finals Results (9 February 2018)
(8pm) Semi-final #2
Kepong BC bt Cheras BC 10-4
MS1: Dey Subhankar bt Tommy Sugiarto 3-2 (11-10, 8-11, 9-11, 11-9, 4-2)
WS: Qin Jin Jing bt Shiori Saito 3-0 (11-7, 11-7, 11-8)
MD: Liao Min Chun-Su Ching Heng bt Tan Boon Heong-Tan Wee Gieen 3-1 (8-11, 11-10, 11-10, 11-9)
XD: Cheah Yee See-Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub drew with Pia Zebadiah Bernadet-Terry Hee Yong Kai 1-1 (6-11, 11-10, Retired)

(4pm) Semi-final #1
Puchong United BC bt Petaling Jaya BC 10-3
MS1: Chou Tien Chen bt Goh Giap Chin 3-1 (10-11, 11-10, 11-6, 11-10)
WS: Deng Xuan bt Supanida Katethong 3-1 (11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 11-7)
MD: Mak Hee Chun-Yoo Yeon Seong bt Chooi Kah Ming-Kim Gijung 3-1 (10-11, 11-10, 11-8, 11-7)
XD: Shevon Lai Jemie-Tan Kian Meng bt Kim Sa Rang-Ti Wei Chyi 1-0 (11-3, Retired)

SS Purple League 2017/18 Finals Fixture (10 February 2018)
(2pm) 5th/6th Playoff: Ampang Jaya BC vs Petaling BC