Genting: Petaling BC fought until the bitter end but eventually bowed out to Kepong BC 7-13 in the quarter-finals of the Purple League Champions Challenge on Friday.
World No. 19 Kenichi Tago got off to a good start for Petaling in the first men’s singles match edging past Ai Wei Jian of Kepong BC 11-10, 11-3, 11-6 in just 27 minutes. However, Ow Yao Han/Tan Boon Heong of Kepong returned the favor, making short work of the inexperienced Chen Jia Huo/Shia Chun Kang in the first men’s doubles match to level the score at 3-3.
Hendra Gunawan/Mei Qili, Goh Soon Huat extended Kepong’s lead to 9-4 by blitzing through their opponents in the mixed doubles and second men’s singles matches respectively.
But Petaling BC would not go away, their second’s men’s doubles Chin Chuan Jue/Soo Kar Seong kept hope alive for Petaling BC going into fifth match when they overcame Ardiansyah Putra/Rizky Hidayat 3-1 to close the gap at 7-10.
Arrived from Singapore just moment before the start of the match, Singaporean Liang Xiaoyu of Kepong BC saw off a valiant effort from Lim Yin Fun, battling through the first two sets, before cruising through the third set prevailing 11-5, 11-8, 11-9 and handed Kepong the victory.
Kepong will meet Cheras BC in the semi-finals that will be held at 2pm on Saturday. While Puchong United BC will take on Muar City BC in another semi-finals tie that will be held at 6pm on Saturday.
