Kota Kinabalu: Mitchell Steele kept his nerve to seal a thrilling win for Sabah in the 16th SGA Cup competition as he stepped up to deliver the winning point in the last singles match on Thursday.The veteran player who only flew in from England barely a week ago went 1-up against Lee Ka Ching to give Sabah victory by the most narrow of possible margin – 18 ½ to 17 ½ - after 16-year-old Eldrick Chong in his maiden appearance halved John Ling to make the total score 17 ½ to 17½ in match 11.Needing five points to retain the cup on the final day, Sabah had a fantastic start when Mohd Zariq Encho scored a hole-in-one in the opening singles match and it was Sabah's second in the competition following Brandai Lai's ace on Wednesday.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Labuan lad then delivered the first point in his 3 and 1 victory over Lim Beng Keat, who himself scored a hole-in-one on the opening day.The host's Lee Ka Tung who was a bit off colour on the opening two days then inspired his team to make a strong comeback with 5 and 4 defeat of Chua Poh Guan. His brother Ka Ming then went 2-up against Hillary Tan before Albright Chong beat Lau Ching Leong 2-up in match four.
Sabah's Casper Loh, Safaruddin Abidin and Christopher James then lost their respective matches to Azriel Teo 2-up, Mohd Lokman Mustaffa 2 & 1, and Malcom Ting 3 & 2 as Sarawak snatched the overall lead 16-15 for the very first time since it started on Tuesday.Fazely Chua managed to stop the slide with a 4 and 2 win over Lee Ka Tong but Sarawak regained the one point lead with a 3 and 2 victory by Johari Man over Sheo Wei Ming.
ADVERTISEMENT
Alex Lau then came to Sabah's rescue with a 3 and 2 win over Albert Goh before Eldrick and Mitchell came good in the final two matches.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
The 10th win by Sabah in the competition was remarkable as the team were represented by three teenagers namely Christopher James, 15, Eldrick, 16, Casper, 17, and even Albright is only 19-year-old.
ADVERTISEMENT
The team this year was led by team manager Peter Tan and non-playing captain is Ng Loong Fah.
