MANILA, Philippines - The Visayas-Mindanao zonal phase of the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League got under way yesterday in Bacolod City.
Arellano University, University of San Carlos, West Negros University and Holy Trinity College from General Santos City will dispute the two available spots in a single-round robin format.
The top two teams in the three-day event will advance into the “Sweet 16” Finals set Nov. 23 in Metro Manila.
Arellano played as a guest team in the NCAA and finished fifth while USC placed fourth in the just-ended CESAFI championship.
West Negros, the 11-time NOPSSCEA champion, won the Visayas regional tournament while Holy Trinity was the surprise winner in the Mindanao regional phase.
Meanwhile, another Zonals tournament begins today in Cebu City featuring UAAP fifth-placer Adamson, NAASCU champion San Sebastian College Recoletos de Cavite, sister school University of San Jose Recoletos, the CESAFI third-placer and league runner-up University of Cebu.
The top two teams will also earn a spot in the Sweet 16.
The third and last Zonals will be held Nov. 12-14 in Naga City with defending national champion La Salle heading the cast.
The Zonal winners will join early qualifiers UAAP champion Ateneo, NCAA champion San Sebastian College, University of the East, Far Eastern University, University of Santo Tomas, San Beda, Jose Rizal University and Letran in the finals of the nationwide series sponsored by PLDT and Smart.
PCCL chairman Rey Gamboa also announced the launching of the “Champions League Fantasy” contest. All fans are invited to submit their top choices of the seven teams that will advance to the “Sweet 16” Finals.
Those submitting the most number of correct choices will be given surprise gifts.
“Joining the contest is easy and for free. Just log in at the official PCCL website, www.CollegiateChampionsLeague.net and submit your choices. One can submit as many entries on or before Nov. 15,” Gamboa said.