Ignacio Soriano
Amidst the threat of the Corona Virus Disease, it’s green and go for the FIBA 3X3 World Tour Manila Masters this May 2 to 3 at SM Megamall. This was bared by FIBA 3X3 Event Manager Ignacio Soriano who arrived Monday in order to iron out the details of the prestigious international event.
This included the inspection of the playing venue which easily passed FIBA standards. “It’s a perfect venue, we are looking for a lot of pedestrian traffic because we want to bring the sport to the crowds,” said Soriano.
As of now, reigning World Tour champion Novi Sad of Serbia and Sakiai Gulbele of Lithuania are sure of joining after their lofty showing in the 2019 World Tour. As the host, the Philippines may field an entry, most likely from the winners of the 2020 Chooks To Go President’s Cup that will open in either the last week of March or first week of April.
Soriano admitted that the Corona Virus Disease is part of force majeure. Because of this, the possibility looms for FIBA 3X3 events that are scheduled to be held in China, the identified source of the disease, will be moved to another venue.
Foremost of these events is the 2020 FIBA 3X3 Asia Cup set for May 13 to 17 in Changsha. If given the opportunity, Boss Ronald Mascarinas of Chooks To Go and Pilipinas 3X3 is ready and willing to take over the hosting chores.
The schedule for the 2020 FIBA 3X3 Challengers will also be released within this week after some revisions owing to a number of legs in China, including the opener which has already been cancelled. Boss Ronald added that FIBA has assured the Philippines of hosting at least one of the 30 scheduled legs which serve as qualifiers for the different World Tour Masters legs.
Meanwhile, FIBA is also looking at strengthening and expanding the FIBA 3X3 Women’s Series which involves national teams. At the start of the year, Chooks To Go declared its support for the Lady Gilas 3X3 squad that took gold at the 30th Southeast Asian Games so it is very likely that the likes of Janine Pontejos, Afril Bernardino, Claire Castro and Jack Danielle Animam will see action against the world’s best.
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