Both Gambino and Indah Damai Restaurant recorded their first wins as the Aewon Challenge Cup 2023 started on Saturday at the Seria’s New Village Basketball Court.
Acting Belait District Officer Haji Amirol Hafidzin bin Haji Muhammad officiated the tournament and received tokens of appreciation from Belait District Basketball Association (BDBA) President Koo Kong Loi.
Assistant Belait District Officer Mohammad Yassin bin Haji Ahmed and Aewon PPE General Manager Justin Hong Ping Khiong were also present.
Koo Kong Loi said the challenge cup is held in conjunction with the 77th birthday celebration of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
Other teams competing across the three groups include Indah Damai Restaurant, Urbanlife, Yun Hin, Phoenix, F19 Ballers, Lily Kopitiam, Kyoshinja x RBL, T Best Company & Services, SneakersPawn x BDBA and Setia Edge – GSSI.
The first game saw Gambino go up against CBA, with the former gaining an early lead in the first three quarters.
While CBA attempted to close the gap in the final quarter, Gambino managed to secure the win 69-60.
Meanwhile, Indah Damai Restaurant went up against Urbanlife in the second match of the night, with both teams attacking each other in the first and second quarters of the game.
But it was Indah Damai Restaurant that struck back hard, as they gained a massive lead of 25 points in the third quarter. Despite Urbanlife’s best attempt in narrowing the gap, Indah Damai Restaurant secured the win with a final score of 82-70. The finals is expected to be held on August 18. – Daniel Lim
