MPL kicks off with pro-am meet

This year’s Malaysia Purple League (MPL) has included a pro-am competition for independent players.

It is a move to unearth up-and-coming shuttlers.

Named as the Top Glove Purple League Pro-Am, the competition will be played as an individual knock-out format, featuring several ex-BA of Malaysia (BAM) players, including Liew Daren, Soong Joo Ven and Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin.

Due to the Covid-19 situation, the tournament, initially slated for September, will now run from Dec 29 to Jan 3 in Putrajaya.

“The tournament is mainly to promote players who are 18 years old.

“This is because many up-and-coming players have to decide by 18 whether to focus on studies or turn professional.”

Khek Mong also thanked the Putrajaya Badminton Club for their support and believes the collaboration is a sign that clubs and the BAM are complementing each other for the betterment of Malaysian badminton.

“The objective is to create another platform to develop the 18-year-olds’ talent pool, especially those with state teams and private clubs,” Khek Mong added.

“The competition will not only allow them a competitive platform but also an opportunity to be spotted by clubs and also the national setup.”

The Pro-Am competition will feature three events — men’s singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles.

The men’s singles winner will pocket RM10,000 while the doubles champions will earn RM15,000.

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