Kimchi power takes favourites Muar City BC into Champions Challenge final

# Purple League champions Muar City BC on course for a double
# Muar City rip through Ampang Jaya BC with ease

Two-time Purple League champions stayed on course for a grand double when they made mince meat of Ampang Jaya BC in the semi-finals in the Resorts World Genting Champions Challenge at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands with a 9-0 win on Saturday.

And the manner in which Muar City ripped through the Ampang Jaya with comparative ease – completing their task in only 64 minutes – makes them hot favourites. This the first time the Champions Challenge was decided in only three matches.

South Korean veteran Lee Hyun-il started the ball rolling with a 3-0 whitewash of Goh Chin Giap with a 11-9, 11-10, 11-8 win in 21 minutes. He has been the most consistent player in the Champions Challenge.

Hyu-il’s win turned out to be the booster as Muar’s Indonesian women’s singles ace Rusydina Antardaya followed suit with an equally impressive straight sets 11-7, 11-8, 11-9 win over Desiree Siow Hao Shan for 6-0 lead.

Korean Olympians Lee Hyo-jung-Han Sang-hoon stepped on court next in the mixed doubles and delivered a 11-8, 11-7, 11-6 win over Ong Yew Sin-Shevon Lai Jemie in 21 minutes for an unassailable 9-0 lead.

With the tie already decide the men’s doubles and second men’s singles were not played.

Muar City team manager Huan Woon Han was left grinning from ear to ear but warned that “the battle as has just begun” and it will be much tougher playing the winners of defending champions Kepong BC – Puchong United tie later at night.

“Of course we are happy to be in the final but it will be a much, much difficult battle no matter who we play for the title,” said Woon Han, knowing that they were upset by Kepong BC in last year’s final.

No matter who their opponents are in the final revenge will be on the cards. In the Champions Challenge final Kepong upset Muar City 13-8 while Puchong United stunned the league champions 9-8 in their final league match.

The Champions Challenge winners will pocket RM148,000 in prize money while the runners-up will take home RM108,000.

RESULTS (Semi-finals)
Muar City BC beat Ampang Jaya BC 9-0

Men’s singles
Lee Hyun-il beat Goh Chin Giap 11-9, 11-10, 11-8

Women’s singles
Rusydina Antardaya beat Desiree Siow Hao Shan 11-7, 11-8, 11-9

Mixed doubles
Lee Hyo-jung-Han Sang-hoon beat Ong Yew Sin-Shevon Lai Jemie 11-8, 11-7, 11-6

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