Stages improbable smash & grab to steal the title from Ampang Jaya BC on final day

AMPANG JAYA (4 November 2018): Bukit Cheras Badminton Club (BC) staged an improbable smash & grab to steal the Purple League Junior (PLJ) 2018 title from Ampang Jaya Badminton Club’s (BC) noses on the final day of dramatic action today.Needing to win all their matches against Puchong United Badminton Club (BC) on the final round of matches, they duly did just that, 15-2 to dethrone Ampang Jaya BC from the summit for their maiden title.

Even sweeter, they did it in the lion’s den of Ampang Jaya BC, at The Challenger Sports Centre, Ampang which saw Ampang Jaya BC who were also gunning for their first title, win 15-2 against defending champion, Cheras Badminton Club (BC).

Going into the finale weekend, Ampang Jaya BC led by coach, Ho Khek Mong, were looking as hot favourites, holding a 12 point lead over Bukit Cheras BC but with Bukit Cheras BC having played one game less.

But it all began to unravel today as Bukit Cheras BC, who were promoted last year as Division Two champions won their earlier game, 15-1 against Cheras BC to set up a grandstand finish later in the evening.

Overall, Bukit Cheras BC pipped Ampang Jaya BC to two points, after collecting 54 points while Kepong BC are in third with 41 points after eight games.

For the record, Bukit Cheras BC are the first champions from Division Two to win back to back titles and the third different champion after Petaling Badminton Club (BC) in 2015 & 2016 and Cheras Badminton Club (BC) last year.

Coach, Tan Cheng Kuang, when met after the memorable victory, understandably was at loss for words to describe his team’s fantastic achievement.

“I don’t know what to say. I didn’t expect to win the title as we were trailing going into this weekend, but credit to the players, they played their heart out as a team to win the title.

“We were also playing without two players (Chua Yue Chern and Toh Ee Wei) who have left for the world juniors but we didn’t let it affect us.

“I would like to thank all the coaches, managers, players for making this win possible,” added Cheng Kuang.

Meanwhile, at the conclusion of the Division Two section, Amanjaya Badminton Club achieved a memorable end to their season when they emerged undefeated throughout their nine matches to be crowned champions.

The Kedah based outfit capped their promotion to Division One in style, defeating Klang Rising Badminton Club, 15-5.

In total, Amanjaya BC ended the season with 64 points, slightly more than double of closest challenger, Kuantan Synergy BC with 28 points. In third, are Ayer Itam BC who collected 22 points overall.

“We are proud to achieve a 100% record, winning all of our matches in Division Two. For next year, we are considering in bringing new players and also import players to our team,” said Amanjaya BC coach, Edmund Loh.

For their efforts, Bukit Cheras BC were RM40,000 richer followed by runners up, Ampang Jaya BC (RM20,000) and third place, Kepong BC (RM10,000).

Amanjaya BC as champions of Division Two brought home RM5,000, while runners up, Kuantan Synergy Badminton Club (BC) received RM3,000 and Ayer Itam Badminton Club (BC) in third were satisfied with RM2,000.

RESULTS (4 November 2018)
Venue: The Sports Challenger, Ampang
Division One – 9am
Bandar Maharani BC 9-11 Petaling BC
Petaling Jaya BC 7-11 Rawang BC
Puchong United BC 4-15 Kepong BC
Cheras BC 1-15 Bukit Cheras BC

3pm
Bandar Maharani BC 8-10 Rawang BC
Petaling Jaya BC 3-12 Kepong BC
Puchong United BC 2-15 Bukit Cheras BC
Cheras BC 2-15 Ampang Jaya BC

Division Two (12pm)
Desa Petaling BC 11-9 Tebrau City BC
Ayer Itam BC 9-9 Kuantan Synergy BC
Klang Rising BC 5-15 Amanjaya BC
PGBC 12-6 Ipoh BC
Serdang BC 12-7 Georgetown BC