Chong Wei steers Petaling Jaya to victory in Purple League

KUALA LUMPUR: Shuttler Lee Chong Wei had to overcome tiredness and his Japanese opponent to steer Petaling Jaya BC to a sensational win in the Resorts World Genting Purple League.

World No. 3 Chong Wei defeated Kento Momota 11-9, 11-10, 6-11, 11-7 in the deciding tie to give Petaling Jaya BC a 13-9 win over Ampang Jaya BC at the Sports Arena Sentosa in Jalan Klang Lama.

The 33-year-old Chong Wei was happy to come through the tough match.

“I was tired after playing in a few Open tournaments ... I tried not to use too much energy, but Momota did not make it easy for me at all,” he said.

Chong Wei is playing in the Purple League after winning three straight Open titles – the French Open, China Open and Hong Kong Open.

“I skipped the Macau Open to give my body a rest until the end of this year. But playing in this league is like a ‘warm-up’ for me and I try to keep in touch with the game,” said Chong Wei.

“I’m glad that I won the tie for Petaling Jaya BC by keeping Momota at bay. He is a good player and very fast on the court, but today I did not allow him room to make a comeback.”

Prior to Chong Wei’s match, Petaling Jaya had won two matches through Cheung Ngan Yi and Koo Kien Keat-Songphon Anugritayawon while Ampang Jaya BC took two matches through Ronald Susilo and Kuan Kam Chung-Shevon Lai Jemie.