Titanic clashes will be on the playing card this evening when the quarter-finals of the inaugural Rio Indoor Streetball Championship commence at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
The matches are virtual finals and, as such, all roads are expected to lead to the venue to witness the exhilarating action that will be on display.
“The excitement and anticipation in the air and within the respective communities cannot be described. The teams are well oiled and geared to produce thrilling action which will certainly entertain and provide drama for the large spectatorship,” a release from tournament co-ordinators, Three Peat Promotions stated.
“This level of preparation and anticipation certainly bodes well for the remainder of the knockout section as the teams are desperate for a place in the final four and chance at the coveted prize of one million dollar,” the release added.
The promotional group said it wanted to thank the sponors for their support.
“Once again we have to thank the sponsors for coming on board and making this a reality which is certainly a blessing for the players who deserve the recognition for their efforts throughout the years.
“The fans must also be commended for their unwavering support during this period because without them, the format would not have grown in this exponential manner and would not have provided the platform for players to be compensated for their talents. Fans and players are of similar importance as sponsors.”
The organisers also thanked the members of the Guyana Police Force.
“Finally the lawmen must also be praised for their contributions in making the tournament incident free by carrying out their duties admirably. They have provided the requisite security needed to allow for an enabling environment for officials, spectators and players.”
The first match will pit newcomer Rio All-Stars against established outfit Future Stars from 20:00hrs. The tournament hosts are littered with quality players such as Jermin Junior, Job Caesar, Andrew Murray Jr., and Kelsey Benjamin. On the other hand, Future Stars comprise the experienced combination of Keron Cummings, Keron Solomon, Jamal Cozier and Rondell Bowman.
The second fixture will pit Gold is Money against Leopold Street from 21:00hrs. This clash could easily steal the spotlight as both teams are littered with quality players and have a fierce rivalry. Gold is Money contains Randolph Wagner, Jamal Pedro, Keifer Brandt and Phillip Rowley, while Darren Benjamin, Carl Tudor, Mark Jhalu and Okeene Fraser will feature for Leopold Street.
Meanwhile, Sparta Boss and Beterverwagting (BV) will do battle in the third affair from 22:00hrs. It will be a clash of styles as the dogged East Coast Demerara unit led by Delroy Deen, Akin Curry, Deshane Garnett and Reon Hopkinson takes aim at the clinical East La Penitence unit marshaled by Gregory Richardson, Sheldon Shepherd, Eusi Phillips and Ryan Hackett.
In the final showdown, Back Circle and Bent Street will resume their budding rivalry from 23:00hrs in what promises to be a thriller. Bent Street, led by their national team contingent of Daniel Wilson, Clive Nobrega, Pernell Schultz, Akel Clarke and William Europe, is viewed as a favorite to walk away with the championship.
However, standing in the opposite corner is a very dangerous East Ruimveldt unit, who have improved greatly with each match. The likes of Selwyn Williams, Stephon McLean, Jermin Beckles, Delon Kelly and Trayon Bobb possess the quality to secure a positive result.
The final is set for December 14.
