Genting: Puchong United BC defeated Kepong BC 10-8 in what turned out to be a classic final to win their maiden Purple League title at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands on Sunday.In the opener, Puchong United BC punted on their first men’s singles player World No. 8 Chou Tien Chen to win a close first men’s singles match 10-11 11-3, 11-7, 8-11, 11-3 in a see-saw battle before beating Dey Subhankar of Kepong BC with 3-2.
Deng Xuan of Puchong United stamped her authority over the Kepong’s Qin Jin Jing in the first women’s singles with 11-8, 11-10, 11-10 to give Puchong a 6-2 lead.
Taiwanese men’s doubles pair Liao Min Chun partnered Su Ching Heng to keep Kepong’s dreams alive by winning the doubles match over Mak Hee Chun/Yoo Yeon Seong 3-0.
Puchong’s Goh Liu Ying/Tan Kian Meng then edged out Kepong’s Cheah Yee See/Goh Soon Huat to make it 9-6.
In the last men’s singles match, Wei Nan of Puchong United only needed to win one game to give his team the Purple League trophy, and Wei Nan ensured that Puchong had the last laugh as he stole a set from the spirited Lim Chi Wing. As soon as he won the third set from Lim Chi Wing 11-7, Wei conceded a walkover and his team erupted in celebration.
“We started the Puchong United BC as a very small team in 2014, we worked very hard and our dream has finally come true,” said Puchong United’s team manager Irina Inozemtseva, who previously played for the Russian national team.
“We are going to get stronger and try to defend our title next season,” added Inozemtseva.
Puchong United took home RM520,000 as the Purple League champions while Kepong BC pocketed RM 265,000.
