Stronger and stronger

BIÑAN CITY, Laguna – The second leg of The Asian Tournament Winter Tournament shows how quickly things can get even better. After a turnaround of just days after a very successful one-week first leg in Passi City, Iloilo, TAT has even more teams and an increased level of talent. The games at the Alonte Sports Arena here have been getting more and more competitive, with newly-discovered players standing shoulder to shoulder with established veterans.

Nine teams made the trip to the City of Life: first-leg champion Aces, Macau Black Bears, Titans Pilipinas, Guangzhou Loong Lions, Vantablack Dragons, Chichi Albayanos Wildcatz and host team Biñan Tatak Gel Beast Motorcycle Tires. New teams Nikkelham Lions from Singapore and Del Norte Banana Republic from southern Philippines have joined for the first time. This interesting mix has provided some surprising results. 

Teams have been divided into two brackets, playing three to five games apiece. Top two teams of each bracket meet in the crossover semifinals today. Winners go on to the one-game finals tomorrow. The rest of the field plays for placing, which counts toward the overall Winter Grand Champion. One team from the previous leg was suspended for questionable play, as TAT continuously strives to protect the integrity of the game.

As of this writing prior to Friday’s afternoon games, three teams are in a tie for top spot in Bracket A: the Aces, Macau Black Bears and Titans Pilipinas. The Aces bulldozed the Titans, the Black Bears scored a huge upset over the Aces Wednesday, then fell to the Titans in a dramatic heart-stopper on Thursday. 

All three went into Friday tied at three wins and one loss. In Bracket B, the Vantablack Dragons were undefeated at 2-0, with the host team Biñan in close pursuit at 1-1 The last elimination round games will decide who escapes to the playoffs. All the succeeding playoff games are knockouts.

The final leg of the TAT Winter Tournament is targeted for Bangkok the first week of December. Once they enter the playoffs, the local Aces of team captain Denzel Wong will own the overall lead going into the final leg. 

The weeklong legs are a grind, bringing out the best of each team physically and mentally. There is very little room for error. That’s the formula that makes TAT unpredictable and exciting. And Filipino talent is pitted against great players from around the world.