Rusdee Leerem marked a memorable Emas Anuar Sepak Takraw League (STL) debut as he led the Bomba Fighters to a 2-1 win over the Negeri Sembilan Antlers at the Titiwangsa Stadium on Friday.

In the first STL Premier match after a short break for Division 1 action, the Fighters came out on top 13-21, 21-15, 21-18 thanks to the Thai striker, who recorded 23 spike winners.

Importantly, it was only their third win of the season to boost their survival chances.

Besides the Fighters, it proved to be a day for STL Premier bottom dwellers as the Johor Tigris and Perak Bison also picked up crucial wins on the same day.

Johor overcame title challengers Penang Black Panthers 17-21, 21-19, 21-11 for their fourth win of the season, while Perak defeated the Selangor Pistons 21-18, 21-12, leapfrogging their vanquished opponents in the standings at the same time due to a better set difference.

Meanwhile, with the Kuala Lumpur Thunder not in action, the ATM Guardians took advantage of it to open up a six-point lead at the top.

The league leaders clinched a 21-17, 21-15 win over the Kelantan Warriors.