Five-team PABA tilt under way

MANILA, Philippines - Four teams will clash today to kick off the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA) Super Baseball Tournament at the Korean baseball field in Carmona, Cavite.

The Philippine Youth team, beefed up by Ateneo players, faces Rizal Technological University in the first game at 9 a.m. while the RP team-Entom battles Angeles University Foundation in the second game at 1 p.m.

Elaborate opening rites will usher in the five-team series at 8 a.m. with PABA officials headed by president Dr. Emmanuel Angeles, chairman Hector Navasero and executive vice president and tournament director Eladio Baradas gracing the occasion.

The RP team-Philab completes the cast in this month-long tournament held under a single round-robin elimination.

“The tournament aims to provide our baseball players a venue to display their wares and at the same time gives PABA the opportunity to scout for new talents who may be tapped for the national team to next year’s SEA Games in Indonesia,” said Baradas.

Competition is expected to be tough as RTU is coming in as the top team of State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) while AUF is the best squad in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA).

Former national mainstays have formed two RP sides, one by Philab Industries owned by Navasero and the other by Entom Pest Control of Baradas.