All 33 players who will see action in the first staging of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 League have tested negative for Covid-19.
League commissioner Eric Altamirano said this as Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 prepares to reel off on Oct. 21 at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
“All 33 players that entered our bubble have tested negative for COVID-19 and are ready to begin practicing on Friday,” said Altamirano.
Organizers feel upbeat about the cagefest, now that the tournament is just a week away from happening, and with the blessings of the Games and Amusement Board.
“I should say that this is an historic moment for Philippine sports, most especially 3×3. I know we got delayed for a while,” said Altamirano
Organizers were mindful of safety and health protocols. All participants were tested and swabbed upon entering the venue and all equipment, playing area and stands sanitized.
To get things going, a pre-season tourney will be held on October 19.
Joshua Munzon and Alvin Pasaol, who will be part of the national team to the Olympic Qualifiers next year, are in.
And they will be playing under Family’s Brand Sardines-Zamboanga City banner.
A total of 12 teams will clash for the top honors in the two week-long President’s Cup, which will offer a P1-million cash prize to the overall winner of the four legs.
After the first leg on October 21, three more legs every other day will be held in this tournament which has Gatorade as its official hydration partner.
Also joining are teams from Uling Roasters-Butuan City, Bacolod Master Sardines, Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, Palayan City Capitals, Porac-Big Boss Cement Green Gorillas and Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors.
Zamboanga with national team players Munzon and Pasaol together with pool members Troy Rike and Santi Santillan is among the favorites.
Also around are Bacolod’s Anton Asistio, Chris Lalata, Choi Ignacio, Alfred Batino, and Robin Roño; Butuan’s Chico Lanete, Franky Johnson, Karl Dehesa, JR Alabanza, and Chris de Chavez; Pasig’s Ced Ablaza, Jhapz Bautista, Jeckster Apinan, and Felix Apreku;
There’s Nueva Ecija’s Jai Reyes, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Gab Banal, Tonino Gonzaga, and Mac Sabellina; Palayan’s JP Sarao, Renz Palma, Clark Derige, and Bobby Balucanag; as well as Porac’s Dan Reducto, JP Belencion, Harry Petilos, and James Pado.
The tournament will also have Dylan Ababou and Ryan Monteclaro, also of Porac, along with players from Zamboanga Peninsula-Valientes MLV, Bicol 3×3 Pro, Saranggani Marlins,Pagadian City-Rocky Sports, and Petra Cement.
