Dy explains postponement of Alab-Saigon game

From Saigon's website
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG—Alab co-founder Charlie Dy is always present at its games in the ABL.

But on Friday night, the player agent was seen at the PhilSports Arena watching the PBA players under him grind it out in pre-Christmas action.

As it turned out, Alab's ABL game against Saigon originally scheduled for Friday night as well was moved to a later date.

In an interview with Dugout Philippines, Dy, on why the ABL's Christmas game was moved, explained, "Since the presscon, we have decided to reschedule the game, because the Saigon Heat requested that we move the game 'coz it's hard for them to travel on the 22nd coming here and leave on the 24th. They wanted to celebrate Christmas."

Good thing, they found a better date for the match.

"When we checked the calendar, there's a day where we can move the playdate. It will now fall on the eve of Chinese New Year (Jan. 27). We asked them if it's acceptable for them to play on Chinese New Year," continued Dy.

Being the only two teams from non-predominantly Chinese nations this ABL season, they were quick in agreeing.

"What the ABL did was they avoided the Chinese New Year since it's being celebrated more by the other Asian countries, but Saigon said they prefer to play on Chinese New Year than Christmas Day," Dy further said.

The Alab-Saigon game, the first of a back-to-back between the two, will take place at the Olivarez Coliseum in Parañaque. They will meet again on Feb. 5 at the Almendras Gym in Davao City.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno