Genting: The Stage 2 of 2016/2017 Purple League kicked off Thursday at the Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting where both Puchong United and Petaling Jaya able to secure their semi-final spots respectively.
Puchong United – whose Purple League charge was spearheaded by World No. 9 men’s singles player Chou Thien Chen and World No. 1 women’s singles player Tai Tzu Ying, got off to a great start as Chou defeated Ajay Jayaram of Ampang Jaya 11-9, 11-8, 11-6 to give his team a 3-0 lead.
Tai Tzu Ying then produced a magnificent display against Xu Wei of Ampang Jaya, beating Xu 11-2, 8-11, 11-6, 9-11, 11-5 to put Puchong United ahead of Ampang Jaya 6-2.
Lukhi Nugroho/Muhammad Syawal then kept Ampang Jaya in contention by beating Lim Khim Wah/Tan Chee Tean 8-11, 11-10, 11-6, 10-11, 11-7, narrowing the gap from Ampang Jaya to 5-8.
It was the Christinna Pedersen/Yoo Yeon Seong pair who sealed Puchong United’s victory by overcoming Desiree Siow/Tan Yip Jiun 11-8, 11-4, 11-5 to make the final score of the tie 11-5.
Puchong United will play Muar BC in the semi-finals on Friday.
Although Petaling BC brought in former World Champion Wang Yihan of China to strengthen their team, Petaling BC lost a very close tie on Thursday, losing to Petaling Jaya BC 11-12.
Petaling Jaya BC is scheduled to meet BU Dragons BC in the semi-final tie.
