Champions Kepong BC settle for third place

 # Kepong BC stroll past Ampang Jaya GC 9-2 in playoff

Last year’s champions Kepong BC defeated Ampang Jaya BC 3-0 to take third place in the eight-team Resorts World Genting Champions Challenge in the playoff at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands on Sunday.

It was a consolation for Kepong BC who narrowly lost 11-10 to Puchong United BC in the semi-finals when their second men’s singles Syed Akhbar Shah Mustakim defeated Kepong’s Panji Akbar Sudrajat in the decider 10-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-8.

It was later learnt that Panji Akbar had only recently recovered from chicken pox and it was his first match at Arena of Sports. 

“He (Panji) had difficulty controlling the shuttle and the court environment…but he gave his best and we do not blame him for the defeat,” said Kepong BC team manager Wong Kok Wai.

“Winning third place in the Champions Challenge makes up for the disappointment of losing to Puchong United in the semi-finals.

“My players were tired after the tough semi-final match. Our semifinal finished late at night and we hardly had any rest to recover but the players gave their best to win and finish third. This is some consolation for losing our title.”

Hong Kong star Wei Nan gave Kepong BC a 3-2 lead with a hard fought 6-11, 11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 11-9 over Lee Chiuk Yu in 41 minutes. 

Wei Nan was a tired man after his five-set win over former Malaysian Thomas Cupper Liew Daren in the semifinals but the 3-2 win over Chiuk Yu was what Kepong needed to gain confidence against Ampang Jaya.

China-born Deng Xuan put Kepong in the driving seat with a 3-0 (11-8, 11-6, 11-10) whitewash of Desiree Siow Hao Shan in the women’s singles for a 6-2 lead.

Mei Qi Li-Ong Jian Guo sealed the tie for Kepong when they romped home to a 3-0 (11-8, 11-0, 11-0) win over Anna Cehong Ching Yik-Kuan Kam Cheong in the mixed doubles.

With an unassailable lead the men’s doubles and second men’s singles were not played. 

Kepong BC pocketed RM68,000 in prize money while Ampang Jaya were richer by RM48,000 for their efforts.

The final is between Muar City BC and Puchong United.   

RESULTS

Third place playoff

Kepong BC beat Ampang Jaya BC 9-2

Men’s singles

Wei Nan beat Lee Chiuk Yu 6-11, 11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 11-9

Women’s singles

Deng Xuan beat Desiree Siow Hao Shan11-8, 11-6, 11-10

Mixed doubles

Ong Jian Guo-Mei Qi Li beat Anna Cheong Ching Yik-Kuan Kam Chung 11-8, 11-10, 11-10