Petaling Jaya

Petaling BC are hoping for a massive boost ahead of their quarter-final clash against Tebrau City BC in the SS Purple League at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands today.

The club are likely to have the services of men’s singles players Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark, Malaysian Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin and national mixed doubles shuttler Lai Pei Jing as all three have crashed out of the Indonesian Masters.

Iskandar and Pei Jing, who have been part of Petaling BC since Stage 1, crashed out of the Indonesian Masters on Tuesday while Jorgensen – a recent signing – lost yesterday morning.

Petaling BC head coach Ismail Saman is keeping his fingers crossed that all three players will be able to arrive in time at the Arena of Stars before the 8pm match.

“We still have until tomorrow (today) to submit the names of players and we’re still making arrangements for them to get here on time. But they should be able to make it,” said Ismail.

“They are our key players and we want them to play because any one of them can deliver a crucial point.”

Petaling are the favourites to advance as they defeated Tebrau City 15-4 during Stage 1 at the Gem In Mall in Cyberjaya earlier this month.

But Ismail won’t take anything for granted.

“That win is now history. This time, all their players are seen as underdogs and they have nothing to lose. So, the pressure’s on us.

“Also because of the draught at the arena, the shuttle is unpredictable and anything can happen if we’re not careful.”

In the other match today, Serdang BC take on Kepong BC.