PUBC aim for international fame through Purple League
KUALA LUMPUR: Reigning champions Puchong United Badminton Club (PUBC) will kick off their fifth straight campaign in the SS Purple League (SSPL) tomorrow aiming more than just to retain their title.
Team manager Irina Inozemtseva wants to elevate the club’s status from being an established local side to an internationally recognised team.
Inozemtseva said playing top quality badminton will be just as important as winning the championships for PUBC to achieve the goal.
“We have no fear in defending the title this season. We are already the champions, what can we lose?
“To be a champion you just need to win once. But what it takes for a team to be a legend is to win it as many times as possible,” she said.
“But surely our goal this time is not only to win the title again and become multiple winners. We also strive to show everyone how we fight and give the best badminton that would capture the fans’ heart.
“As the SSPL is also highlighted overseas, we want our club to become an international brand.”
PUBC lifted their maiden SSPL title by defeating Kepong BC 10-8 in a thrilling final at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands in February.
The club still boast enough firepower to carry their challenge for the campaign despite not having the services of Taiwanese aces Chou Tien-chen and Tai Tzu-ying, the world No. 3 men’s singles and world No. 1 women’s singles.
Their 22-player roster boasts several top Malaysian shuttlers like Goh Liu Ying (pic), Tan Kian Meng, Liew Daren, Ong Yew Sin, Teo Ee Yi and Tan Boon Heong, alongside notable foreign stars including South Korea’s Yoo Yeonseong and Hong Kong’s trio Lee Cheuk Yiu, Tang Chun Man and Deng Xuan.
Liu Ying, Daren, Yeon-seong, Kian Meng and Deng Xuan were part of the team that won last season.
“We always maintain our players from the past season because they form the core of the team strength,” said Inozemtseva.
“These are players who feel they belong with the club and will give you 100% .”
Ampang Jaya BC should pose the biggest threat to PUBC’s title ambition having assembled a star-studded team led by Kento Momota of Japan, Bryce Leverdez of France and national stars Chan Peng Soon, Lee Zii Jia, Goh Jin Wei and Shevon Lai Jemie.
The other six clubs in the eightteam league are Kepong BC, Serdang BC, Petaling BC and newcomers Bandar Maharani BC, Bukit Mertajam All Stars BC and Tebrau City BC.
Teams will be competing in three stages in a single round-robin format and playoff format for the title.
The total prize money this season is RM1.5mil.
Stage 1 and Stage 2 will run from Dec 21 to Jan 6 Jan and Jan 11-13 respectively at the Gem in Mall in Cyberjaya while the Finals is scheduled at Genting Highlands from Jan 24-27.