Nothing soft about ‘Meimei’ as he plays hard to lead NS Matrix to title

Simply outstanding: Ting Chun Hong (right) was named Major Basketball League’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).

PETALING JAYA: Cager Ting Chun Hong has a girlish nickname “Meimei” but he does not play like a girl on the court.

On Saturday, Chun Hong and his team, NS Matrix, captured the Major Basketball League crown after defeating Johor Southern Tigers 100-93 in the second-leg final at the Maba Stadium.

The Johoreans were leading with 12 points in the first quarter but Chun Hong stepped up for his team and scored 13 points to turn the tide in their favour.

The 27-year-old Chun Hong contributed a total of 29 points en route to helping his team win.

It was a double joy for the forward as he was also named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).

However, he believed that he did not deserve all the credit.

“We’re very happy and excited to win the championship,” said Chun Hong.

“There’s no such thing as luck, it’s all about team work and hard work!

“People around me call me Malaysia’s No. 1, so I guess I’ve accomplished my mission by winning the award,” explained Chun Hong.

As for his moniker, “Meimei” is a Mandarin term used to describe a beautiful girl.

His grandfather owned a salon called “Meimei”, so his grandfather’s nickname was also “Meimei”.

Chun Hong’s friends were curious and wondered why a guy would have a girl’s nickname.

They then began calling Chun Hong by the same nickname for fun, but he did not like the name at first.

“They started calling me ‘Meimei’ when I was in primary school.

“At first, I didn’t like it because it was a female name, but I got used to it over time.

“I don’t mind it now because it’s easy for people to remember me,” said Chun Hong.

He will now shift his focus to the Agong’s Cup which will start on Saturday at the Maba Stadium.