PUTRAJAYA (25 December 2021): A nail-biting final is on the cards with Bandar Maharani Badminton Club and Butterworth BC vying for the inaugural Top Glove Purple League Pro-Am 2021 (TGPLPA) title at the Kompleks Kejiranan Presint 11 here tomorrow.
It was a heated clash in the first semi-final between arch-rivals Bandar Maharani BC and Serdang BC, which saw the southern side win (10-3).
Yap Yee and Zachary Sia opened accounts for Bandar Maharani BC when they finished strongly after going down in the first set against Boon Xin Yuan – Tan Yan Yi (10-11, 11-4, 11-10, 11-7) in the mixed doubles.
Bandar Maharani extended their lead when stalwart Tai Chuan Che defeated Too Ming Yap 11-3, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6) to race ahead 6-2.
Chuan Che who last competed in the 2019 Celcom Axiata Malaysia International Challenge, felt euphoric with his performance. “I’m happy that I was able to contribute points for my team today. It’s been almost two years since I last participated in a competitive tournament. I’m happy that I’m able to maintain my form and secure a crucial victory for my team.
Chuan Che commended the organizers of the TGPLPA for creating a competitive platform for the players. He added “I would like to express my gratitude to the Malaysia Purple League (MPL) for creating this platform for us to showcase our talents.”
Meanwhile, Bandar Maharani BC’s wonder kid, Dania Sofea overpowered Teh Won Quin (11-9, 6-11, 11-5, 11-7) in an epic clash in the women’s singles category. The badminton prodigy who recently claimed her maiden Aeon Credit Purple League Junior 2021 (ACPLJ) title was awestruck after her surprise victory.
“I didn’t expect to win this game and I’m thankful to Bandar Maharani BC for trusting and giving me the opportunity to represent them in such a competitive tournament” she said.
In the other semi-final, Butterworth BC defeated Ampang Jaya BC 11-7 to sail into the finals of the TGPLPA.
Goh Jin Wei – Tan Yi Han started the party early for Butterworth BC as they defeated Lim Tze Jian – Wong Kha Yan (11-5, 6-11, 11-4, 11-7) in the mixed doubles.
In the second game, sensational Samuel Lee outclassed Ampang Jaya BC’s Tan Jia Jie (9-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-7) in the men’s singles to put Butterworth BC one foot through to the finals.
In the women’s singles Butterworth BC’s Isabel Liau crossed the semi-final hurdle and broke Ampang Jaya BC’s hearts in the rubber set when she put away Erica Hoh (10-11, 11-10, 10-11, 11-6, 11-6).
Butterworth BC had to hold their celebrations when Chee Yik Shen – Teh Zi Yi lost (8-11, 6-11, 3-11) to Ampang Jaya BC’s Lau Yi Sheng – Lee Yi Bo in the men’s doubles.
Ampang Jaya BC’s gallant run at the TGPLPA was brought to end when Butterworth’s pair of Goh Jin Wei – Teoh Lexuan barely raised a sweat as they defeated Tang Wen Xin – Wong Kha Yan (11-6, 11-8).
Butterworth BC’s Teoh Lexuan was satisfied with his performance today. “We played well despite having to face a resilient Ampang Jaya BC side. It will be a tough game against Bandar Maharani BC tomorrow, but we will give it our all and go for the win”.
With the fixtures set in place, the finals of the TGPLPA will take place tomorrow on Sunday, 26 December at the Kompleks Kejiranan Presint 11 in Putrajaya.
