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.

 

Semi-finals Results: – (Winner in bold)

 

12:00 pm

 

Serdang BC vs Bandar Maharani BC (3-10)

 

1. XD Boon Xin Yuan – Tan Yan Yi lost to Zachary Sia – Yap Yee (11-10, 4-11, 10-11, 7-11)
2. MS Too Ming Yap lost to Tai Chuan Zhe (3-11, 6-11, 11-8, 6-11)
3. WS Teh Won Quin vs Dania Sofea (9-11, 11-6, 5-11, 7-11)
4. MD Wing Tien Ci – Yap Qar Siong vs Ching Kai Feng – Wee Yee Hern (9-11, Tie decided. Bandar Maharani BC advances to the final)
5. WD Kashley Kho – Lee Zhi Qong vs Hoe Shi Yun – Yap Yee (Tie decided. Bandar Maharani BC advances to the final)

 

3:00 pm

 

Butterworth BC vs Ampang Jaya BC (11-7)

 

1. XD Goh Jin Wei – Tan Yi Han Lim Tze Jian – Wong Kha Yan (11-5, 6-11, 11-4, 11-7)
2. MS Samuel Lee Tan Jia Jie (9-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-7)
3. WS Isabel Liau vs Erica Hoh (10-11, 11-10, 10-11, 11-6, 11-6)
4. MD Chee Yik Shen – Teh Zi Yi vs Lau Yi Sheng – Lee Yi Bo (8-11, 6-11, 3-11)
5. WD Goh Jin Wei – Teoh Lexuan vs Tang Wen Xin – Wong Kha Yan (11-6, 11-8, Tie decided. Butterworth BC advances to the final)

 

PUTRAJAYA (24 December 2021): Butterworth Badminton Club and Ampang Jaya Badminton Club booked their semi-final berths in style in the Top Glove Purple League Pro-Am 2021 (TGPLPA).

As expected, both Butterworth BC and Ampang Jaya BC advanced from Group A and B respectively.

 

Joining the 2 badminton giants are Serdang BC who topped Group A and Bandar Maharani BC who finished second behind Ampang Jaya BC in Group B.

 

As players scrambled to salvage as many points for their respective clubs, Samuel Lee from Butterworth BC was in his elements today as he led his team to secure a semi-final spot.

 

Known for his energetic display, Samuel Lee showed sheer consistency and survived a rubber set thriller as he defeated Faiz Rozain 11-7, 7-11, 11-7, 5-11, 11-10.

 

In the afternoon fixture, heavyweights Butterworth BC and Seremban City BC put on a spectacular show which kept everyone at the venue holding their breaths.

 

However, the team from the north got off to a poor start as Tan Yi Han – Goh Jin Wei lost to Tan Kok Xian – Gan Jing Err (5-11, 11-7, 11-6, 10-11, 10-11) in the mixed doubles.

 

Samuel Lee, who recently competed in the Bangladesh International Challenge 2021 as an independent player, was delighted with his performance. However, he remained humble and said, “I’m happy that I was able to contribute positively for my team’s victory today. This tournament is quite competitive, and it will be foolish to underestimate anyone.”

 

Samuel Lee commended the organizers of the Top Glove Purple League Pro-Am 2021 (TGPLPA) for creating a competitive platform for the players. “I am grateful that Butterworth BC trusted me and to compete along with such a reputable team.”

 

On the other side of the court, DSBC Labuan comfortably put away Bangi City BC (12-6). Both teams will exit the tournament as they finished fourth and fifth respectively in Group A.

 

Despite losing to Seremban City BC in the final match today, Butterworth BC will make a reckoning with Ampang Jaya BC on Saturday to grab a ticket to the finals as they had earned sufficient points.

 

Serdang BC on the other hand will face heavyweights Bandar Maharani BC in a decisive match for a spot in the finals.

The TGPLPA will continue until this Sunday at the Kompleks Kejiranan Presint 11 in Putrajaya. The 10 teams will compete in a single round-robin format in their respective groups and the top 2 teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals. The semi-finals and finals will take place on Saturday, 25 December and Sunday, 26 December respectively.

 

Day 4 Results: – (Winner in bold)

 

3:00 pm

 

Court 1 – DSBC Labuan vs Bangi City BC (12-6)

 

1. XD Quinton Yap – Goh Shuen Tong Mohd Najmi – Nurul Aisyah (6-11, 11-10, 11-7, 11-7)
2. MS Demond Anthony Samin Muhd Ikmal (11-4, 6-11, 7-11, 11-10, 11-10)
3. WS Arena Satu Samin Fairuz Fadlin (11-10, 11-7, 11-5)
4. MD Bryan Goh – Fong Kuo Yoong lost to Fawwaz Zainuddin – Muhd Aizat (4-11, 4-11, 5-11)
5. WD Fong Yii Zhi – Goh Shuen Tong Nurul Aisyah – Siti Farhanah (11-5, 11-5, 11-7)

 

Court 2 – Butterworth BC vs Seremban City BC (10-12)

 

1. XD Tan Yi Han – Goh Jin Wei lost to Tan Kok Xian – Gan Jing Err (5-11, 11-7, 11-6, 10-11, 10-11)
2. MS Samuel Lee Faiz Rozain (11-7, 7-11, 11-7, 5-11, 11-10)
3. WS Lim Jing Ning lost to Saranya (11-8, 2-11, 3-11, 5-11)
4. MD Chee Yik Shen – Teh Zi Yi lost to Mohd Faris – Muhd Amar (8-11, 11-6, 8-11, 9-11)
5. WD Goh Jin Wei – Teoh Lexuan Desiree Siow – Ng Wan Win (6-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-10)

 

6:00 pm

 

Court 1 – Jinjang BC vs Petaling Jaya BC (5-11)

 

1. XD Goh Yi Xuan – King Kien Hwa lost to Tan Wei Liang – R. Venosha (6-11, 11-6, 6-11, 6-11)
2. MS Sie Zi Lok lost to Low Eu Chong (11-7, 7-11, 9-11, 6-11)
3. WS Tai Jo Yi lost to Kasturi (3-11, 3-11, 5-11)
4. MD Goh Shao Tang – Tan Shi Li lost to Kho Yap Hong – Sim Wee Sheng (11-10, 11-10, 9-11, 6-11, 9-11)
5. WD Chew Jia Hui – Chew Jia Wern lost to Clarissa San – R. Venosha (11-9, 7-11, 8-11, 8-11)

  

Court 2 – Ampang Jaya BC vs Rawang BC (12-6)

 

1. XD Lim Tse Jian – Wong Kha Yan lost to Muhd Nuraidil Adha – Tio Sue Xin (11-9, 11-3, 10-11, 5-11, 4-11)
2. MS Tan Jia Jie lost to Lim Yik Fong (9-11, 4-11, 11-4, 8-11)
3. WS Erica Hoh Amanda Yap (11-8, 11-6, 11-8)
4. MD Lau Yi Sheng – Lee Yi Bo Helmi Zulhaidee – Izzat Farhan (11-8, 11-7, 11-9)
5. WD Tang Wen Xin – Wong Kha Yan Tew Jia Jia – Vanessa Ng (11-6, 11-7, 11-9)

 

PUTRAJAYA (23 December 2021): The Top Glove Purple League Pro-Am 2021 (TGPLPA) kept all those who were at the venue today on their toes as Ampang Jaya BC extended their winning streak after beating Petaling Jaya BC (12-9) in the last game of the third day.

 

Ampang Jaya BC got off to a good start as Lim Tze Jian – Wong Kha Yan defeated Clarissa San – Tan Wei Liang (11-5, 10-11, 11-7, 11-5) in the mixed doubles.

 

However, the club from Kuala Lumpur had to keep their calm after Tan Jia Jie lost to Low Eu Chong (6-11, 11-7, 11-6, 4-11, 8-11) in the men’s singles.

 

Ampang Jaya’s fortunes did not change as Erica Hoh lost to R. Kasturi (5-11, 7-11, 11-7, 3-11) in the women’s singles.

 

While all seemed lost, Lau Yi Sheng – Lee Yi Bo used every muscle and defeated Kho Yap Hong – Sim Wee Sheng (11-4, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6) in the men’s doubles.

 

During the deciding game, Tang Wen Xin – Wong Kha Yan defeated R. Kasturi – R. Venosha (7-11, 11-10, 11-8, 11-10) to give Ampang Jaya BC the win over Petaling Jaya BC in the women’s doubles.

 

According to Ampang Jaya BC’s team manager, Voon Siaw Yie “I am very proud of our team because most of our players are home-grown from Ampang”.

 

The action in the first half of the day saw a clash of titans between Seremban City BC and Serdang BC on court 1. Serdang BC got the better of their Group A rivals by winning 12-7 and subsequently dislodged Seremban City from the top of the table.

 

Seremban City BC will now be facing Butterworth BC while Serdang BC will claim their well-deserved rest as they eagerly wait for their opponents to complete their group fixtures.

 

On court 2, high-riding Butterworth BC continued with their fine run defeating Bangi City BC 14-5. The Northern giants had earlier chalked up victories over DSBC Labuan and Serdang BC on the opening day of the competition.

 

The mixed doubles pair of Tan Yi Han – Teoh Lexuan pulled off the opening point for Butterworth BC as they put away their opponents Mohd Najmi – Nurul Aisyah (11-7, 8-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-6) in a tight opening game.

 

Bangi City BC temporarily spoiled the party for Butterworth BC as Samuel Lee lost to Muhd Affan (10-11, 11-7, 10-11, 11-5, 7-11) in the men’s singles.

 

However, Butterworth BC bounced back as Isabel Liau maintained her composure and defeated Arieesya Sofea (11-9, 11-5, 11-2) in the women’s singles.

 

Butterworth BC kept their foot on the gas and extended their lead against Bangi City BC as Chee Yik Shen – Teh Zi Yi defeated Muhd Aizat – Muhd Ammar (11-5, 11-6, 11-6) in the men’s doubles.

 

In the final game, Butterworth BC sealed their victory and remained undefeated in the group stages as Lim Jing Ning – Teoh Lexuan defeated Fairuz Fadlin – Siti Farhanah (11-7, 11-2, 11-3) in the women’s doubles which only lasted 16 minutes.

 

Butterworth BC’s team manager Tommy Lee Sau Wah was satisfied with his team’s good run and the hard work put in by the players. However, he remained modest and said, “first and foremost, I would prefer not to be too overconfident, as I believe that we were lucky to win all of our expected games.”

 

He added “I have huge respect to all the 10 teams who are participating as they have been consistent in their performance throughout this prestigious tournament. We will rest well tonight and regain our strength for tomorrow’s match against Seremban City BC.”

 

The TGPLPA will continue all week at the at the Kompleks Kejiranan Presint 11 in Putrajaya. The 10 teams will compete in a single round-robin format in their respective groups and the top 2 teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.

 

Day 3 Results: – (Winner in bold)

 

3:00 pm

 

Court 1 – Seremban City BC vs Serdang BC (7-12)

 

1. XD Desiree Siow – Tan Kok Xian lost to Boon Xin Yuan – Tan Yan Yi (8-11, 10-11, 11-6, 8-11)
2. MS Faiz Rozain lost to Too Ming Yap (11-3, 10-11, 7-11, 8-11)
3. WS Saranya def. Teh Won Quin (11-8, 11-10, 11-8)
4. MD Ameer Amr – Mohamad Faris lost to Wong Tien Ci – Yap Qar Siong (7-11, 7-11, 7-11)
5. WD Gan Jing Err – Ng Wan Win lost to Kashley Kho – Lee Zhi Qing (7-11, 9-11, 11-8, 11-10, 10-11)

 

 

Court 2 – Butterworth BC vs Bangi City BC (14-5)

 

1. XD Tan Yi Han – Teoh Lexuan Mohd Najmi – Nurul Aisyah (11-7, 8-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-6)
2. MS Samuel Lee lost to Muhd Affan (10-11, 11-7, 10-11, 11-5, 7-11)
3. WS Isabel Liau Arieesya Sofea (11-9, 11-5, 11-2)
4. MD Chee Yik Shen – Teh Zi Yi Muhd Aizat – Muhd Ammar (11-5, 11-6, 11-6)
5. WD Lim Jing Ning – Teoh Lexuan Fairuz Fadlin – Siti Farhanah (11-7, 11-2, 11-3)

 

6:00 pm

 

Court 1 – Rawang BC vs Bandar Maharani BC (8-9)

 

1. XD Ho Lo Ee – Muhd Nuraidil lost to Yap Yee – Zachary Sia (11-9, 10-11, 9-11, 9-11)
2. MS Lim Yik Fong Lee Qi Hong (11-3, 11-6, 11-5)
3. WS K. Yeshveenii lost to Dania Sofea (4-11, 11-10, 4-11, 7-11)
4. MD Helmie Zulhaidee – Izzat Farhan Ching Kai Feng – Ooi Jhy Dar (11-8, 11-9, 11-6)
5. WD Ho Lo Ee – Tew Jia Jia lost to Hoe Shi Yun – Yap Yee (4-11, 7-11, 10-11)

 

Court 2 – Ampang Jaya BC vs Petaling Jaya BC (12-9)

 

1. XD Lim Tze Jian – Wong Kha Yan Clarissa San – Tan Wei Liang (11-5, 10-11, 11-7, 11-5)
2. MS Tan Jia Jie lost to Low Eu Chong (6-11, 11-7, 11-6, 4-11, 8-11)
3. WS Erica Hoh lost to Kasturi (5-11, 7-11, 11-7, 3-11)
4. MD Lau Yi Sheng – Lee Yi Bo Kho Yap Hong – Sim Wee Sheng (11-4, 11-5, 9-11, 11-6)
5. WD Tang Wen Xin – Wong Kha Yan R. Kasturi – R. Venosha (7-11, 11-10, 11-8, 11-10)

 

PETALING JAYA: Remember this name Dania Sofea Zaidi. The petite 13-year-old lass looks destined to become a darling to badminton fans in the near future.

Dania, a Form Two student at SMK (P) Sultan Ismail, Johor Baru, was hogging the limelight in age-group tournaments when the Covid-19 pandemic smashed aside her aspirations.

She is arguably the best Under-14 girl’s player in the country at the moment going by triumphs in singles and doubles in the first leg of the National Junior Circuit last year.

If that’s not convincing enough, Dania won the Under-15 title at the Purple League Junior tournament last month.

In 2019, Dania was the undisputed national Under-12 champion, sweeping both the National Junior Grand Prix Finals and the National School Sports Council (MSSM).

“Sofea’s certainly the one to beat in her age group in the country right now, ” said her father Zaidi Mohamed, a teacher at the SK Skudai.

“Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 there’s no tournament for her to prove her worth in the last one year or so. But she’s on the par with the best Under-15 girls in the national junior team.

“She has no problem keeping up with players aged 17 or 18. That’s why it’s a bit tough to find someone to spar with her. We even resorted to getting ‘uncles’ in their 30s or 40s to help with her training.”

Zaidi said he’s looking forward to gauging his daughter performance at the international stage when the Asian Under-15 and Under-17 Championships return to the schedule in future.

“We’re targeting Sofea for the Asian meet next, it will be interesting to see how she stacks up against the best in the continent, ” said Zaidi.

“She did win a tournament in Singapore once where she defeated five Chinese opponents. Although these are club-level players, they are all formidable competitors.”

Zaidi said Dania received an offer to join the national junior squad but the time is not right to accept the offer.

“We wanted to oversee her development on our own first. She’s currently training under experienced coach Albert Lim at the Alberts Sports Badminton Academy, ” explained Zaidi.

“She has been training under him for almost seven years now, and her progress speaks for itself. We will eventually let her join the national team, probably in two years, once she’s ready and independent enough. It’s just that we want to prep her with a solid foundation, mentally and physically.”

Zaidi said Dania, who scored 4As and 1B for her UPSR, is known as the ‘cili padi’ to many as she wows the crowd with her deft skills and court movements.

“She would jump, dive and even play a lot of deceptive shots and it is always delightful to watch.”

Zaidi recalled how Dania was hooked on badminton at the tender age of four.

“I was a former sepak takraw player and I noticed how she loves sport and was good at kicking the rattan ball around. I managed to convince her to play badminton instead and it has certainly been good for her.“By eight, she has started winning titles. At 10, she had to actually play in the boys’ category because no one can compete with her.

“Sofea is indeed gifted and is meant for badminton. It’s our hope to see her realise her potential to become a world and Olympic champion one day.”

KAMPAR –  The first half of the day of the Aeon Credit Purple League Junior2020 (ACSPLJ 2020), down to the last 32 on the second day, saw the first and second-seeded Boys’ Under-15 and Under-18 singles players cruising through their games with zero upsets.

The Under-15 top-seeded singles player, Chow Wern Soon from Serdang BC who toppled Mohamad Dani from Bangi City BC with a commanding 3-0 victory, said after the match that he felt pressured knowing that he was the top-seeded player, but later self-motivated himself not to let himself be plagued by the pressure, and that it was just a number.

“Hopefully, I can turn the pressure into motivation and navigate me to the final.”

The first-seeded and more experienced Chow, trained by badminton legend and owner of Serdang BC, Ong Ewe Hock, managed to pull off a classier and more mature show compared to his peers. Staying calm throughout, he showcased unexpected twists in his attacking play, often catching his opponent off guard.

Meanwhile, the second-seeded singles player from the Boy’s Under-15, Huan Kai Hern of Subang Jaya BC had to literally fight his way through Labuan BC’s Aguwell Andrew, and fortunately managed to dig deep into his reserve and fought past his opponent, just in time to advance with a 3-1 victory.

“At first, I could not adapt to the pace of the game, the feeling of being in competitive action is not quite the same. But I persevered so that I would not lose out. My goal is to reach the semi-finals.”

In the Boys’ Under-18 singles, Teh Jin Hong from Bayan Lepas BC made his debut with a convincing 3-0 win over Tan Jia Qi of Johor Baru BC. However, the first-seeded player was not satisfied with his performance.

“It’s been too long since I’ve played, I’ve been trying to get the feel back, some of my shots aren’t in place yet. But I’m going to slowly get back to that feeling,” he said, preferring to just enjoy the game and not setting a target for himself.

But his coach, Choong Yee Hean believes in his top-seeded player’s ability to win the title.

In addition, the second seed in the event, Muhammad Atef of the Cheras BC, also made it to the last 16. It is worth mentioning that Ting Wen Xuan of Balakong BC continued his spirited run today after his impressive match in the opening yesterday, and the strength of the seeded players could make them the dark horse of this tournament.

In yesterday’s first round, with the top-seeded players in most events not present, the only mixed doubles seeded players to play, Samuel Lee/Ho Lo Ea from Penang’s Bayan Lepas BC made it into the second round.

Following the continuous reduction in the daily recorded cases of COVID-19, the AEON Credit Purple League Junior 2020 (ACPLJ 2020) will resume end of this month for a period of 4 days, from March 31^st to April 3^rd.

The tournament to be held in Kampar, Perak, which is under the Recovery MCO phase will see the participation of approximately 400 players under the age of 18 from 40 clubs across the country.

The competition is divided into Under-18 men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles and Under-15 men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, culminating with a total of 10 events.

In addition to winning prize medals for each event’s runners-up and semi-finalists, the champions can also contribute three points to the club, two points for runners-up and one point for semi-finalists.

The club with the highest cumulative score will be the overall champion. If two or more teams end up with the same points, the winner will be determined by the one having the highest number of winners.

If the number of winners is also the same for those teams, then the title champion will be determined by the highest number of winners from the semi-finals and subsequent games count.

In addition to prize money for runners-up, semi-finalists and the overall champion team, the Under-18 champions will also be recruited to participate in an intensive training course hosted by the BAM.

The AEON Credit Purple League Junior 2020 (ACPLJ 2020) was originally scheduled to be held in October and November last year in four regions – Kampar, Muar, Port Dickson and Puchong where each region is represented by 16 winners from Group A & B who will battle out for the championship title in the finals in Putrajaya.

Nevertheless, the suspension of all sporting activities in the country in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak at the end of last year meant that the ACPLJ 2020 had to be postponed indefinitely.

This time around, with the lockdown relaxed, the Malaysia Purple League is returning to complete the ACPLJ 2020 run. As always, the organizer will strictly adhere to the standard operating procedures set by the government, including isolation of players, measurement of temperature before entering the stadium, no contact with the outside world during the game, no spectators, regular disinfection every day and social distancing, in a bid to ensure that the welfare and well-being of all players, officials and staff personnel are prioritized.

“It’s not easy to get back into the game,” said Ho Khek Mong, Chief Operating Officer of Purple League. “

Since last year’s tournament in Port Dickson, we have postponed the competition several times before we can now resume, five months apart. In order to avoid the postponement of the tournament again due to outbreak, we had to change the game system. Since the pandemic situation has improved, it is better to complete this league quickly than playing the wait-and-see game.”

“I hope the younger generation of players will cherish this rare opportunity to play and prove themselves, and I hope the audience too, will give us their support. Please remember to follow our official Youtube channel.”

The annual Purple League Junior (PLJ) Competition has entered its sixth year. Its purpose is to search for new young talents and provide a platform for promising youth to showcase their talent, gain competitive experience, and build confidence in badminton.

AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad has merged in as the main sponsor for the Purple League Junior for three years since 2019 as part of its corporate social responsibility in developing the local talents.

KAMPAR  – Ampang Jaya BC’s Tan Jia Jie will get a step closer to achieve his dream of becoming a national badminton player after clinching the AEON Credit Purple League Junior 2020 (ACPLJ 2020) Boys Under-18 title.

The Old Klang Road local beat Muhammad Ariffin Nazri Md Zakaria (Cheras BC) 11-9, 10-11, 11-9, 11-8 at the Sixbase Sports Arena in Kampar on March 2nd.

Jia Jie said he’s looking forward to joining the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) extensive training camp which is a part of the reward for the champion besides the cash prize of RM1000 and medal.

The lanky teenager said he’s grateful for the ACPLJ 2020 which provided him with the stage to showcase his talent.

“I had a good game against Ariffin, he was a bit tired and my training work to improve my stamina worked in this match. I’m very happy with the win and I’m looking forward to training with BAM,” he said.

“I could have done better in the final, my opponent was a good player and he gave me a good fight but in the end, I managed to get the win.”

“I’m looking forward to watching and learn from players like Lee Zii Jia during the training camp with BAM and I hope I can improve further and one day play for the country.”

In the Girls Under-18, unseeded Wong Ling Ching of Butterworth BC clinched the title after upstaging second seed Tan Yan Yi of Serdang BC 11-3, 11-2, 11-4.

She also completed a double after partnered Teoh Le Xuan to win the Girls Under-18 double with a win over Bayan Lepas BC pair Amanda Yap Hwa Leng-Tan Xin Zon  11-5, 11-9, 11-7.

The win saw Ling Ching return home with RM1000 cash prize and a medal for winning the singles and she shared the RM1500 cash prize with her double’s partner Le Xuan and also the opportunity to join BAM’s intensive training camp.

A jubilant Ling Ching said she’s glad to achieve her target of winning both finals.

“I had a good outing here and it feels good to win after not playing for a long time in a competition due to the pandemic,” said the Sarawak lass who trained with Le Xuan for a few days before the competition.

“I moved from Sarawak to Penang six months ago to get better training and this is the first competition for me and I’m glad to win it.”

Her partner Le Xuan said both of them managed to click as pair due to their good basics.

“I think we did well although only trained for two to three days. We both had been a trainee with BAM before so our basics were strong and we managed to be on the same page in our matches.”

Butterworth BC emerged as the overall champion and returned home with RM10,000 and the championship trophy, while Perling BC who were named as the runners-up picked up RM5000.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Purple League (MPL) Chief Operation Officer (COO) Ho Khek Mong was thrilled to watch young talents showcasing their talent and thanked the sponsor for their support.

“I’m happy to see the players return to the court after the long Covid-19 hiatus, while some are taking time to adjust to competition, many others proved that the deadly virus could not dampen their winning spirit,” he said.

“Throughout the event, we have seen young and hopeful shuttlers showing signs of maturity and skills well beyond their age. I believe they are happy and eager to get back to competition.”

“Even though Kampar is under-recovery MCO, we made sure that we had no audience and international participants. The SOPs were strictly followed because we want to unearth the next badminton champion through our platform.”

“We truly appreciate the belief of our current set of sponsors and especially to our Purple League Junior main sponsor Aeon Credit for their continued confidence to organise the APLJ.

“We will continue to work hand in hand with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for more development work and it’s worth mentioning that the Under-18 champions will earn an invitation to attend an extensive training camp run by the BAM. – Malaysia Purple League, April 4, 2021

Pemain Ampang Jaya BC Tan Jia Jie menghampiri impiannya untuk muncul sebagai pemain kebangsaan setelah merangkul kejuaraan Bawah 18-tahun kejohanan AEON Credit Purple League Junior 2020 (ACPLJ 2020).

Pemain kelahiran Jalan Klang Lama menundukkan Muhammad Ariffin Nazri Md Zakaria dari Cheras BC 11-9, 10-11, 11-9, 11-8 di Arena Sukan Sixbase di Kampar, semalam.

Jia Jie berkata dia tidak sabar untuk menyertai kem latihan intensif kendalian Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) yang merupakan ganjaran kemenangan disamping wang tunai RM1000 dan medal kejuaraan.

Pemain tinggi lampai itu berkata dia bersyukur dengan penganjuran ACPLJ 2020 yang memberikan pemain muda pentas untuk menunjukkan bakat mereka.

“Saya telah bermain dengan baik untuk menewaskan Ariffin, dia tampak agak letih dan latihan saya untuk meningkatkan tahap stamina saya berkesan pada perlawanan ini. Saya sangat gembira dengan kemenangan ini dan berasa tidak sabar untuk menyertai latihan intensif bersama BAM,” katanya.

“Saya sepatutnya boleh beraksi dengan lebih baik di final tetapi lawan juga seorang pemain yang baik dan dia telah memberi saingan yang sengit kepada saya… saya berjaya mengekalkan rentak saya untuk meraih kemenangan pada akhirnya.”

“Saya nak melihat dan belajar dari pemain-pemain handalan di BAM seperti Lee Zii Jia ketika di kem latihan bersama BAM dan saya berharap dapat meningkatkan prestasi saya dan dapay bermain untuk negara suatu hari nanti.”

Kategori wanita Bawah 18-tahun, pemain bukan pilihan Wong Ling Ching dari Butterworth BC meraih gelaran setelah mengungguli pilihan kedua Tan Yan Yi dari Serdang BC 11-3, 11-2, 11-4.

Ling Ching juga mencatat kemenangan kedua peribadi setelah bergandingan dengan Teoh Le Xuan untuk memenangi beregu wanita Bawah-18 tahun selepas menundukkan pasangan Bayan Lepas BC Amanda Yap Hwa Leng-Tan Xin Zon 11-5, 11-9, 11-7.

Ling Ching membawa pulang wang hadiah RM1000 dan medal kejuaraan sebagai ganjaran memenangi acara perseorangan, berkongsi RM1500 dengan pasangan beregunya Le Xuan dan juga peluang menyertai kem latihan intensif BAM.

Ling Ching berkata dia berasa lega dan gembira selepas mencapai sasarannya untuk memenangi kedua-dua final.

“Saya telah bermain dengan baik pada kejohanan ini dan saya berasa gembira dengan kemenangan ini kerana sudah agak lama semenjak saya beraksi di kejohanan disebabkan Covid-19,” kata pemain kelahiran Sarawak itu yang hanya berlatih dengan Le Xuan selama beberapa hari sebelum kejohanan.

“Saya berpindah dari Sarawak ke Pulau Pinang enam bulan lalu untuk mendapatkan latihan yang lebih baik dan ini adalah pertandingan pertama bagi saya setelah berpindah dan saya berasa amat puas selepas bergelar juara.”

Pasangannya Ling Ching, Le Xuan berkata, gandingan mereka menjadi kerana mereka mempunyai asas permainan yang baik.

“Saya rasa kami berjaya walaupun hanya berlatih selama dua atau tiga hari sahaja. Kami berdua pernah menjadi pelatih BAM sebelum ini, jadi asas kami baik dan kami berjaya membentuk persefahaman yang mantap untuk bergelar juara.”

Butterworth BC muncul sebagai juara keseluruhan kejohanan dan pulang dengan wang tunai RM10,000 dan trofi kejuaraan, sementara itu Perling BC yang dinobatkan sebagai naib juara dan meraih hadiah wang tunai RM5000.

Ketua Pegawai Operasi Malaysia Purple League (MPL) Ho Khek Mong berasa kagum dengan semangat juang para pemain dan berterima kasih dengan sokongan yang diberikan oleh para penaja.

“Saya gembira melihat pemain kembali ke gelanggang setelah selepas rehat panjang berpunca dari Covid-19, nampaknya ada pemain-pemain yang memerlukan masa untuk menyesuaikan diri dengan kejohanan, tetapi ramai yang lain membuktikan bahawa Covid-19 tidak mampu melunturkan semangat juang mereka,” katanya.

“Sepanjang acara ini, kami telah melihat ramai pemain berbakat menunjukkan kematangan dan kemahiran yang jauh melebihi usia mereka. Saya rasa mereka bersemangat dan gembira untuk kembali bersaing.”

“Walaupun Kampar masih di bawah Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Pemulihan (PKPP), kami memastikan kejohanan berlangsung tanpa penonton dan peserta antarabangsa, SOP ketat dipatuhi kerana kami mahu melahirkan juara badminton seterusnya melalui platform kami.”

“Kami sangat menghargai kepercayaan yang diberikan oleh para penaja dan amat berterima kasih kepada mereka, terutamanya penaja utama – Purple League Junior Aeon Credit kerana terus memberi sokongan dalam penganjurkan APLJ.

“Kami akan terus bekerjasama dengan Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) dalam mencungkil bakat baru dan untuk makluman, juara kategori Bawah 18-tahun akan menerima jemputan untuk menghadiri kem latihan intensif kendalian BAM.

KEPUTUSAN 

Perseorangan Lelaki Bawah 18-tahun: Tan Jia Jie (Ampang Jaya BC) bt Muhammad Ariffin Nazri Md Zakaria (Cheras BC) 11-9 10-11 11-9 11-8

Beregu lelaki Bawah 18-tahun: Kenny Khew Han Yang-Mohamad Haris Sufian Rushdan (Rawang BC) bt Muhammad Ariffin Nazri -Muhammad Ashraf Md Zakaria (Cheras BC) 11-8 10-11 11-8 11-9.

Beregu campuran Bawah 18-Tahun: Chong Ee Jack-Chew Jia Hui (Ampang Jaya BC) bt Teo Jie Sern -Isabel Liau Bei Yi (AKSC) 11-10 11-5 11-9

Perseorangan lelaki Bawah 15-tahun: Sng Wei Ming (Butterworth BC) bt Huan Kai Hern (Subang Jaya BC) 11-10 11-4 11-10

Beregu Lelaki Bawah 15-tahun: Aguwell Andrew-Carlester Cleve James (DSBC Labuan) bt Gerard Liau Jia Yit-Goh Shao Tang (AKSC) 11-9 9-11 11-5 11-7.

Beregu campuran Bawah 15-tahun: Amirul Imran Bin Azuan – Dania Sofea Binti Zaidi (Perling BC) bt (Subang Jaya BC) Huan Kai Hern-Wong Zi Yi 11-6 11-6 11-10

Perseorangan wanita Bawah 18-tahun: Wong Ling Ching (Butterworth BC) bt Tan Yan Yi (Serdang BC) 11-3 11-2 11-4

Beregu wanita Bawah 18- tahun: Teoh Lexuan-Wong Ling Ching (Butterworth BC) bt Amanda Yap Hwa Leng-Tan Xin Zon (Bayan Lepas BC) 11-5 11-9 11-7.

Perseorangan wanita Bawah 15-tahun: Dania Sofea Zaidi (Perling BC) bt Lim Zhi Shin (Bayan Lepas BC) 11-6, 5-11 11-8 11-3

Beregu wanita Bawah 15-tahun: Shaneessa Shahidi-Vannee Gobi (Damansara BC) bt Alysha Jeffery- Nicole Chau Xuan (PGBC) 11-7 11-4 11-4

Pertandingan Purple League Junior (PLJ) yang diadakan setiap tahun ini telah memasuki tahun keenam penganjurannya.

Tujuannya adalah untuk mencari dan mencungkil bakat muda baru dan menyediakan platform bagi pemain-pemain untuk mempamerkan bakat mereka, mendapatkan
pengalaman yang kompetitif, dan membina keyakinan diri dalam sukan badminton.

AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad telah bergabung sebagai penaja utama bagi Purple League Junior selama tiga tahun sejak 2019 sebagai sebahagian daripada tanggungjawab sosial korporatnya dalam membangunkan bakat tempatan.

KAMPAR –  The AEON Credit Purple League Junior 2020 entered the third day of competition with the Under-15 women’s singles top seed Sarah Ngu Xian Meow from Cheras BC advancing to the last eight with a 3-1 victory over teammate Nurul Athirah without much trouble.

Sarah, who stands at an impressive 175cm, was satisfied with her performance playing against her teammate whom she is familiar with.

“I haven’t played competitively in more than a year and hopefully with more games, I can get back in shape,” said Sarah, further adding “Being ranked the No. 1 seed definitely puts me under pressure, but I’m confident of winning the title.”

The 18-year old women’s singles top seed Isabel Liau Bei Yi of the AKBC also managed to live up to her seeding and advanced but was stretched to five games before winning the gruelling match 11-7, 10-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-4 against the powerful Aman Jaya BC’s Teoh Ju Kee. It was double joy for Isabel Liau who also advanced to the last eight in the mixed doubles.

“At first, I was not in control of the match. But when the coach reminded me to buck up, I followed his advice and successfully countered my opponent.”

She now intends to play true to form from the start in the next match and reduce errors and move on to win the title.

In a another Under-18 match Tan Yan Yi of Serdang BC comfortable won 3-0 against her opponent from Jelutong BC, powering through the first game with an 11-0 win and advancing into the last eight where she will face Arieesya Sofea of Bangi City BC.

Meanwhile, in the Under-15 men’s doubles top seeds Tiow Shi Qin/Mohd Amirul from Bayan Lepas BC knocked out Klang Rising BC’s Alfred Teo/Ong Qi Fu 3-1, thus joining the Under-18 men’s doubles top seeds Kenny Khew Han Yang/Mohd. Haris Sufian in the last eight.

Meanwhile Under-15 men’s singles top seed Chow Wern Soon crashed out 3-1 to Tan Kian Wei from JBBC.

The quarter-finals will be played tomorrow while the semi-finals and finals will take place on Sunday. – Purple League, April 2, 2021