PJBC snap losing streak with win over Kepong BC
PETALING JAYA: Defending champions Petaling Jaya Badminton Club (PJBC) snapped a two-match losing streak in the SS Purple League.
PJBC, who have already qualified for the second phase as one of the top six teams despite their poor run of form, did just enough to down Kepong BC 12-11 in their last phase one match at the Sports Arena Sentosa in Jalan Kelang Lama yesterday.
Skipper Goh Giap Chin gave PJBC the lead despite struggling to a 10-11, 11-4, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6 win over Muhd Nuraidil Adha Azman in the first men’s singles tie.
Kepong, however, struck back to lead 8-6 after women’s singles shuttler Ho Yen Mei and men’s pair Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub-Tan Chee Tean won their respective matches.
But PJBC tied it 9-9 after mixed pair K. Yogendran-Goh Yea Ching downed Goh Soon Huat-Cheah Yee See 9-11, 11-9, 11-10, 11-8.
Hong Kong’s world No. 41 Lee Cheuk Yiu then completed the win for PJBC after edging two-time national champion Lim Chi Wing 5-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-9, 11-8 in the second men’s singles tie.
The win lifted PJBC to fifth in the eight-team league with 67 points while Kepong remain second with 70 points.
“It feels good to win the last game as we felt it was a 50-50 affair,” said PJBC team manager Yeoh Kay Lun.
“We have a good squad. We just made too many mistakes during the course of the season.
“Hopefully, the players will be more spirited as we head into the second phase,” added the former national shuttler.