Grace Christian College begins its campaign to retain the championship when it faces Philippine Chen Kuang Huang High School in the 45-and-above division of the Fil-Chinese Athletic Association Inc. tournament on Monday, August 10, at the Tanduay Gym in Quiapo, Manila.
Following the successful run of the 40-and-above division, league chairman Wilbert Loa expects another competitive race for the title. Grace Christian enters the tournament as the reigning champion after sweeping St. Stephen’s High School in two games during the inaugural staging of the division last year.
“We are praying that we’ll have a good weather tomorrow,” Loa said, expressing hopes that the competition will deliver another series of entertaining matchups similar to those seen in the previous age divisions.
With the number of participating schools increasing to 14, Loa said the teams will be divided into two groups and play a single-round elimination format. The top two teams in each group will earn automatic berths in the quarterfinals.
The opening game is scheduled for 6 p.m., with the defending champions looking to immediately establish themselves as the team to beat.
St. Peter the Apostle School and Philippine Cultural College will meet at 7:45 p.m., while Uno High School and San Lorenzo Ruiz Academy will close the opening-night schedule with a 9:30 p.m. matchup.
The league has previously completed its 35-39 and 50-and-above divisions, with Hope Christian High School capturing both championships.
In the 40-44 category, Hua Siong College of Iloilo successfully defended its crown, beating Xavier School in the championship with former PBA MVP James Yap and former UAAP MVP Ken Bono reinforcing its lineup.
The tournament is supported by Smart Sports, Tanduay Athletics, Genius Hardware, Ultraforce Tires, Cellboy, PGFlex Linoleum, Boysen, Lamtex Pipes, Jiang Nan, Hangry Pares, Powerhouse Tools, L.F. Fireworks, BYD Valenzuela, BAIC, Jetour, Yong Kee Roasting House, 1118 Autospa, and TCL.