Money’s on Puchong
But Petaling Jaya hope to tear form books to shreds in final
GENTING HIGHLANDS: The SS Purple League is set to crown a new champion today when Puchong United BC and two-time runners-up Petaling Jaya BC battle it out in the title clash at the Arena of Stars here.
Puchong United, powered by some of the world’s top players, have openly declared themselves as the favourites after tearing defending champions Muar BC apart 11-4 in the semi-finals on Friday.
Asked if Puchong United would have the upper hand in the final, club manager Irina Inozemtseva confidently replied: “Based on our performance (against Muar), I would say yes.”
Puchong United’s fantastic four – Taiwanese duo Chou Tien-chen (men’s singles) and Tai Tzu-ying (women’s singles) and the South Korean-Denmark combination of Yoo Yeon-seong-Christinna Pedersen (mixed doubles) – have all lived up to expectations thus far.
And they will again start as the team’s best bets to deliver the points today.
But Irina was quick to point out that “we do not just rely just on our foreign quartet for the points”.
“All our players are equally important,” she stressed.
“Our men’s doubles pair of Lim Khim Wah and Tan Chee Tean have been outstanding too. They performed amazingly in the semis to earn us two precious games despite being two down at one stage.
“That’s how team competition works.”
Irina, though, expects Puchong United to be ready for a tricky battle against Petaling Jaya.
“Our opponents have good fight- ing spirit. We saw how they beat two very good sides – Petaling and BU Dragons. So, we have to be cautious. I’m sure it’s going to be a tight contest,” she said.
Petaling Jaya are hoping to be third time lucky after prevailing in a nail-biting semi-finals that saw them win on points countback against debutants BU Dragons after both teams were tied at 12-12 on Friday.
“Having come this far, we aim to go all out to win the league,” said Petaling Jaya team manager Manoj Kumar, who is happy with his team’s underdogs’ tag.
“Puchong United are very strong and showed their credentials with impressive displays in the last two rounds.
“But we’ll try to steal as many games as we can, especially through Koo Kien Keat-Kim Sa-rang in men’s doubles.”