PBL Cup unravels

Four top caliber teams in two equally exciting games for one afternoon of thrilling action.

That’s what PBL fans could look up to as the 2000 PBL Challenge Cup kicks off today with defending champion Welcoat Paints and Shark Energy Drink facing separate rivals at the Makati Coliseum. The tournament finally unravels after its opening was postponed due to Typhoon Seniang last Saturday.

The Paint Masters start their bid for a fourth consecutive crown as they collide with a revitalized Montana Pawnshop at 5 p.m.

The Power Boosters test their speed and strength as they clash with young Ateneo-Pioneer at 3 p.m.

Both matches will be telecast over PTV-4 with the first game aired live at 3 p.m. while the second encounter will be shown delayed at 8 p.m.

The Paint Masters, who won their third crown following a 4-0 win over Shark last conference, remain the top favorite for the title, owing to their intact powerhouse core led by Eugene Tan, Ren-Ren Ritualo, Jojo Manalo, Anton Villoria and Yancy de Ocampo.

And with the comeback of Ryan Pamintuan and the big improvement of Francis Zamora and Allen Patrimonio, the Raymond Yu and Terry Que-owned franchise appeared even more formidable.

Still, Welcoat coach Junel Baculi isn’t taking any chances against Montana.

"As I’ve warned those who would like to stop us, they better have the right artilleries because we have the right weapons. But that doesn’t mean we’ll be overconfident in the game," said Baculi.

Welcoat is the best gauge to the major build-up coach Leo Isaac has undertaken for Montana during the off-season.

Isaac signed up San Beda stalwarts Jenkin Mesina, Jacques Gottenbos and 6-foot-5 Ricky Calimag to provide intensity and beef up the holdover core of Davaoenos Randy Panerio, Jaymann Msola, three-point shooter Jigger Saniel, former UST Tiger Melchor Latoreno and top rookie Ranidel de Ocampo.