Kuala Lumpur: While no one likes to lose, it’s an absolutely insane moment on Sunday when Muar City appeared to have never been happier with their first loss of the season.
Without Lee Hyun-Il and Tai Tzu Ying, the short-handed Muar City lost their first tie of the season, falling 9-13 to the number three team in Purple League – Puchong United. Despite the loss, Muar City still racked up 71 points to capture the 2014-2015 Kopiko Purple League crown and received RM 1 million in prize money.
From the get-go, it became obvious that things were not going as planned for Muar City. Ronald Susilo and Rusydina Antardayu lost in straight sets to Puchong United’s Daren Liew and Aya Ohori in the first men’s singles and women’s singles matches respectively.
Then, men’s doubles pair of Mak Hee Chun/Tan Bin Shen fell 2-3 to Darren Isaac Devadas/Wong Fai Yin of Puchong United, while Teo Kok Siang/Chow Mei Kuan were sent packing by Tan Aik Quan/Lai Pei Jing of Puchong United 1-3 in the mixed doubles match.
Fortunately, second men’s singles player Tan Chun Seang and second men’s doubles pair of Chow Pak Chuu/Tan Wee Kiong managed to convert 6 points for Muar City before Puchong United pulled out a winner in their last tie of the regular season.
Muar City’s owner Anthony Lim told reporters the win was special and quite remarkable for the team.
“We have a much more balanced team, and our shuttlers always played with high spirits,” said Lim.
“I am really proud of the team,” added Lim.
Petaling Jaya BC who finished second were awarded RM 300,000 while the number three team Puchong United took home a pay check of RM150, 000.
