RP vets off to hot start in Asean tilt

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines swept its three opening matches in the 50 and 60 years divisions in an auspicious start by the host in the 18th Asean Veterans Basketball League-BF Cup Monday at the Marist Basketball gym in Marikina City.

Backstopped by former PBA MVP winner Freddie Hubalde, Leo Austria and Eduard Tio, the Filipino Chinese Veteran Basketball Association (FCVBA) dumped Brunei, 58-40, in the 50-year-and-above category.

Austria and Hubalde paced the Jimi Lim-managed FCVBA squad with nine points while Tio added five points as the Filipinos underscored their readiness to win the premier division of the five-day, three-division tournament.

“It’s a good start for us, we hope we can sustain the momentum,” said Lim.

FCVBA’s victory in the 60-year-and-above was more impressive as it romped to a 68-21 rout over Kuching (Malaysia).

With Rain or Shine’s Terry Que, Zotico Tan and PBA legend Lim Eng Beng on the firing end, the Fil-Chinese practically decided the outcome of the game right in the first half. Que almost outscored the entire Kuching squad by scoring 20 points.

The country’s other entry, the Philippine Chinese Friendship Basketball League, also triumphed, beating Malaysia, 56-35, in the 50 years division.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando and Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando graced the opening of the tournament organized by Alfonso Kaw, Bong Tan, Jr., Johnny Chua, Lim, Tio and Que.

Also winning their opening day assignments were Sarawak over Kuala Lumpur, 43-41, and Singapore over Seremban in the 50-years division while the other winning team in the 60 years was Kuala Lumpur which beat Hat Yai of Thailand, 37-27.

The event is supported by Marikina mayor Lourdes Fernando said the tournament comes on the heels of the local government’s efforts to promote Marikina as a venue for both local and international sports competitions.

The awarding ceremony will be held on Sept. 11 at the Marikina Convention Center. - Non Alquirtran