KUALA LUMPUR (7 AUGUST 2022): DR KO came out victors in a fiery badminton clash on the second day of the Biz Link Properties Purple League Corporate 2021/2022 (BLPLC) tournament in Setapak Badminton Centre today.
The giants of the “skin industry” sustained their momentum throughout their game as they brushed aside newcomers Perbadanan Putrajaya 13-3 with an aim to finish top of Group A.
The men’s doubles pair of Bennes Goh – Bryan Goh made a stellar start for DR KO when the siblings overcame their opponent’s Mohammad Khairi – Mohammad Sujairi 11-7, 11-7, 11-2 in the opening game.
DR KO’s convincing run was halted in the second match as powerhouse mixed doubles pair Cheng Chee Tiong – Goh May Chun fell to Perbadanan Putrajaya’s Mohammad Najmi – Ainaa Izzati 6-11,5-11,11-8,5-11 in 18 minutes while Dato Lim Choon Seng – Lim Choon Keong revitalized DR KO’s lead by defeating Razali Ngatiman – Zairul Hafiz 11-10, 11-4, 11-9 in the men’s doubles category.
Tan Chiew Ping – Tiffany Chase ended Perbadanan Putrajaya’s hopes of a comeback when the women’s doubles pair defeated Perbadanan Putrajaya’s Noorhazwani – Wan Rosniza 11-7,11-6,11-6.
DR KO sealed their win when stalwart pair Sim Juei Kee – Soo Teck Chi defeated Jafree Ramly – Mohammad Faris in straight sets 11-1, 11-9 and 11-4 in the men’s doubles.
Soo Teck Chi, who’s also the team manager for DR KO was delighted with his team’s overall performance. The 2013 Asian Junior Champion said “I’m really proud with my team’s performance, and I’m happy to witness the positive bonding within my team.
We have players coming all the way from Labuan to strive with us in this tournament. It shows their dedication and passion towards this sport. It’s time for us to sustain this momentum and focus on achieving our grand-finals target.”
Competing for the first time in the Corporate League, Perbadanan Putrajaya’s team manager Jafree Ramly was honoured to be a part of a prestigious tournament like the BLPLC.
“I’m thankful to Malaysia Purple League for giving us the opportunity to compete in such a reputable tournament. Despite our two consecutive group match defeats, we are happy that are players were able to gain some exposures and match experiences. Our fitness levels are on par with the rest and I believe we can claw back and secure our qualification by winning our next match,” said Jafree Ramly.
Meanwhile on court 1, Oriental Real Estate continued their winning streak as they overcame Sport Club China Press in the points score (165-61) despite drawing (15-15) in the match score. Oriental Real Estate’s Jeremy Kho Shyang and Kum Yi Fan were the saviours for their team as they trashed Lee Yoke Hong – Wong Choong Hin 11-1,11-2,11-7 to secure their team’s victory in the men’s doubles category.
On the other hand, the 2pm fixtures saw “electrical retailing” giants Senheng dominate AIG with a 15-0 win hence adding pressure to the qualification aspirations for the Group A participants. The limelight of the day was stolen by Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai with his sheer masterclass performance to inspire Top Glove Badminton Club to overcome the fierce challenge of Aeon Credit Service.
Upon Top Glove Badminton Club winning their overall match 11-7 against Aeon Credit Service, Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai who also happens to be the organization’s executive chairman iterated that the Biz Link Purple League Corporate tournament deserves more recognition due to its role in advocating corporates to practice a healthy lifestyle.
“Malaysia Purple League is doing a phenomenal job in advocating and moulding a healthy lifestyle in this nation. I personally feel that this tournament deserves more recognition since it ignites the spirit of a 65-year-old man like me to participate and showcase my skills. I would also like to take this moment to appreciate MPL for organizing such a grand scale tournament in order for us to compete,” said Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai
The second day of the competition will conclude with Genting Malaysia facing Oriental Estate and Red Phoenix battling Perbadanan Putrajaya respectively at 5:00 pm. The top 3 teams from each group will then proceed to play in the grand finale.
The second edition of this competition is scheduled to be held for two consecutive weekends in a round robin format from the 6th – 14th August while the final round will take place on the 20th and 21st August at Setapak Badminton Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
