Brunei Cup 2008 tips off on Aug 22

THE Brunei Cup 2008 joint-organisers, the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports, Ace MVP Event Management Co and the Brunei Basketball Association held a sponsorship signing ceremony at Sunlit Advertising in Beribi yesterday.

The 8th Brunei Cup 2008, arguably Brunei's top basketball tournament, is now all set to once again not only rock and thrill the local basketball fans, but also the diehards from neighbouring Miri and Limbang as well, from Aug 22-30 at the Indoor Stadium, Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex.

The Brunei Cup 2008, a firm fixture on the Brunei sporting calendar, will feature top teams from Australia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Jordan.

"Local basketball fans will be thrilled to learn that defending champions, LG Sakers from South Korea, will be back to defend the title they won in 2007," according to Jackson Ting, Chairman of the Brunei Cup 2008 Sponsorship Committee when asked about the top teams participating.

"Also back in the fray are the Darwin Airport Resort All Stars who are one of the strong contenders. They will face stiff competition from the Jordan All Stars and the Singapore Slingers. In addition, the tournament will also feature two exciting new teams from the Philippines.

"I expect the competition to be very keen this year as the six teams will be battling for a grand total prize money of $35,000. I would therefore advise all basketball fans to purchase their tickets early to avoid disappointment," he further explained in response to a question on the quality of the competition, and the anticipated fan support this year.

Tickets for the daily matches will be on sale at the venue two hours before the scheduled daily matches and are priced at $6 for normal matches. Tickets for the opening, the semi-finals and the championship matches are $12.

Guest of Honour, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Jemat Haji Ampal, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports witnessed the signing between Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahaman Pengiran Hj Damit, Chairman of Ace MVP Event Management Company and the representatives of the sponsors.

Also present at the ceremony was Yang Berhormat Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Awang Goh King Chin and Pehin Onn Swee Siong. The Brunei Times