Daniel Lim
CBA got off to a positive start as they fought back to win 54-58 against Wolves Basketball in the opening match of the Aewon Basketball Challenge Cup 2022, at the New Village Mutual Aid Association Basketball Court in Seria on Sunday.
Local favourites Wolves Basketball commanded the earlier quarters of the game, ending the third with a comfortable 47-28 lead.
In the fourth quarter, CBA scored 30 points to edge Wolves.
The first match was held after the tournament’s official opening by Aewon Brunei General Manager Justin Hong Ping Khiong.
The tournament, held in conjunction with the 76th 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, is organised by the Belait District Basketball Association (BDBA) and sponsored by Aewon Brunei and You-C1000.
A total of 10 teams will vie for honours in this year’s edition, including T Best Company & Services, Indah Damai Restaurant, Hankook, Wolves Basketball, RYS, Hokage Hawks, Unity, CBA, Cafe Hopping and NailsXQ.
BDBA Deputy Chairman Johnny Chong Fook Choi expressed gratitude to the Brunei government for enabling the competition to commence after its hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I hope everyone will carry forward the sports humanistic spirit of ‘friendship first, competition second’ throughout the tournament,” he said, urging players to play to their full potential and achieve good results.
The deputy chairman also advised players, coaches, referees and spectators to adhere to standard operating procedures in line with the Ministry of Health’s guidelines, while enjoying the tournament with respect and good sportsmanship.
The second game of the night saw T Best Company & Services defeating Unity 66-57.
The Aewon Basketball Challenge Cup will be held every night, except Mondays and Thursdays.
The semi-finals will be held on August 6-7, and the final on August 9.
