Genting Highlands: World No. 161 Tan Chun Seang pulled off arguably the most impressive feat of his career when he contributed the decisive three-point against Syed Akhbar Shah Syed Mustakim of Puchong United BC in the second men’s singles match to end Muar City’s 2-year wait by winning the Resorts World Genting Champions Challenge on Sunday.
Muar City who were the reigning regular season champions of Purple League, was stunned by Puchong United BC with their overpowering start, trailing 1-6 before Muar City started to show some signs of relief.
Muar City’s former World No. 1 Lee Hyun Il suffered a massive upset against Daren Liew of Puchong United when the Korean lost his first men’s singles match 11-4, 6-11, 7-11, 6-11.
Adding salt to Muar City’s wounds, Puchong United’s Japanese shuttler, Ayumi Mine was sent off for a sharp attack to beat Muar City’s Rusydina Antardayu 11-7, 11-5, 11-6 to put Puchong United ahead with a 6-1 advantage.
The 2008 Olympic Champion Lee Hyo Jung and her mixed partner Han Sang Hun rode to Muar City’s rescue when they dismissed Cheng Wen Hsing and Yew Hong Kheng of Puchong United BC 11-9, 10-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6, cutting the deficit to 4-8.
In the absence of World No. 1 men’s doubles Lee Yong-Dae who helped Muar City won the regular season championships, former Malaysia national men’s doubles pair Chow Pak Chuu/Tan Bin Shen destroyed Puchong United BC’s pair, Ow Yao Han Victor Ong Jing Khai with 11-8, 11-2, 11-7 in 25 minutes to narrow the gap to 7-8, before Tan Chun Seang carved out a heroic 11-8, 11-6, 11-2 win over Syed Akhbar Shah Bin S Mustakim in 19 minutes to lead Muar City to their first ever Resorts World Genting Champions Challenge in second try.
Tan Chun Seang who was mobbed by his team-mates after landing the title, couldn’t believe he had led his team to the victory.
“Syed Akhbar Shah gave me a good fight early in the match before I found my rhythm and confidence to secure the victory,” said Tan who was born in Kedah.
Earlier Sunday, Kepong BC finished third in the Resorts World Genting Champions Challenge after defeating Ampang Jaya BC 9-2. Kepong BC brought home RM68, 000 while Ampang Jaya BC earned RM48, 000 for finishing fourth in the tournament.
Below is the winner and prize money list:
Champion: Muar BC (RM148, 000)
First Runner-Up: Puchong United BC (RM108, 000)
3rd: Kepong BC (RM68, 000)
4th: Ampang Jaya BC (RM48, 000)
5th: Petaling Jaya BC (RM38, 000)
6th: Cheras BC (RM28, 000)
7th: Serdang BC (RM23, 000)
8th: Petaling BC (RM18, 000)
