PHP1M awaits champs in PSL 'Super Cup' in Tiaong

The PSL and Quezon 2nd District representative Jayjay Suarez formalized their partnership for the D2 Super Cup. Ivan Saldajeno

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY—A hefty prize pool is at stake in the D2 Super Cup Invitational Tournament in Tiaong, Quezon Province.

Quezon 2nd District representative Jayjay Suarez announced on Wednesday that a total of PHP2 million will be handed out in the tournament that will run from June 2-11.

The teams that would make the semifinals get to share the spoils with the champion taking home PHP1 million, the other finalist receiving PHP500,000, the third placer bringing PHP300,000, and the other semifinalist winning PHP200,000.

Suarez has partnered with the PSL to make the tournament possible.

"I would like to thank our partners at PSL for allowing us to partner with them in this major sports event that will be happening in the second district of Quezon Province. Ito ang unang pagkakataon na magkakaroon ng ganitong kalaking liga sa aming lalawigan, at natutuwa ang aming distrito na ito ay gaganapin sa second district," Suarez said during the press launch at the Seda Vertis North here.

The Tiaong Convention Center has been chosen as the main battleground for the tournament.

"I and the vice president (Ray Alao) visited the venue where we will be holding the D2 Super Cup... I guarantee you. It's one of the best venues that you can see. Ang laki and it's overlooking Quezon," PSL president Rocky Chan said.

Suarez then said that games will also be played at the new Sariaya Sports Complex and the municipal arenas in Candelaria and San Antonio.

The former provincial governor also said that they are also looking to hold games in Lucena and are in the process of securing a venue for them.

PSL commissioner Leo Isaac then bared that despite the D2 Super Cup being sanctioned by a professional league, the entry fee has been waived.

To further spice up the games, the PBA legend said that teams can sign up two world imports and one Fil-foreign player of unlimited height.

According to Chan, the localities that are part of the second district, host municipality Tiaong, provincial capital Lucena City, and the towns of Candelaria, Dolores, San Antonio, and Sariaya have already put up teams.

Among PSL teams that have confirmed participation are NBS Kris-Cainta, Pampanga Royce, and Pampanga Giant Lanterns, who will likely play as the Delta.

Chan also revealed that the MFT Fruitmasters, who saw action in the recent AsiaBasket International Championship, are also joining.

Chan then said that 16 teams have already expressed intent of joining, but Isaac added that they will cap the number of participating teams to 20 due to the tight schedule.

The teams will be divided into four groups and will play a single round-robin elimination round within their respective groups.

The top team per group will face off in the knockout semifinals with the winners advancing to the final.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno