The big match: Goh Soon Huat (left) and Shevon Lai Jemie will meet Tan Kian Meng-Goh Liu Ying in the semi-finals.
PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles scratch pair Tan Kian Meng-Goh Liu Ying are bracing for an intriguing clash against Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie in the semi-finals of the Purple League.
This was after Kian Meng-Liu Ying’s Puchong United Badminton Club finished top of Group B yesterday after beating Sena Bangkok Club 14-5.
Soon Huat-Shevon’s Ampang Jaya Badminton Club had finished second of Group A on Wednesday, setting up the last-four clash against Puchong tomorrow.
Puchong are seeking to defend their title while Ampang are out to capture their first crown.
The match between independent pairs Kian Meng-Liu Ying and Soon Huat-Shevon could prove pivotal in the overall tie.
The latter will start as favourites as they are an established combination and are ranked 13th in the world while this is the first competition for Kian Meng and Liu Ying together.
Kian Meng-Liu Ying have yet to lose a match in the competition so far and are feeling upbeat about their chances.
“Soon Huat-Shevon hold the advantage as they are a more established pair but on court anything can happen. All of us train together, so we know each other’s game well. I feel good playing with Liu Ying so far and our understanding with each other is getting better. We will give it our best shot tomorrow,” said Kian Meng, who is ranked 10th in the world with usual partner Lai Pei Jing.
Kian Meng-Liu Ying stayed steady to overcome Sena Bangkok Club’s Pongsakorn Thongkham-Peeraya Munkitamorn 11-8, 11-10, 11-10.
The others who contributed to Puchong’s victory were Lim Chi Wing, Liew Daren (men’s singles) and Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (men’s doubles).
Despite the loss, Sena Bangkok Club still made it to the semi-finals and will take on Petaling Badminton Club. Puchong United Badminton Club beat Sena Bangkok Club 14-5.
RESULTS
Men’s singles 1: Lim Chi Wing bt Kachain Buarung 11-5, 11-6, 11-4.
Women’s singles: Soniia Cheah lost to Busanan Ongbamrungphan 11-6, 4-11, 11-8, 8-11, 1-6.
Men’s doubles: Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi bt Kittisak Namdash-Tan Wee Kiong 9-11, 11-8, 11-6, 7-11, 11-6.
Mixed doubles: Tan Kian Meng-Goh Liu Ying bt Pongsakorn Thongkham-Peeraya Munkitamorn 11-8, 11-10, 11-10.
Men’s singles 2: Liew Daren bt Kittipong Imnark 11-8, 11-5, 11-8.
