No lenten break for PH teams with tough task ahead in Fiba 3×3 World Tour Masters

The Philippine Teams in the 2019 Fiba 3×3 World Tour Masters.

MANILA, Philippines–While the country is taking a break for the Holy Week, PH teams Pasig Chooks and Balanga Chooks are starting their campaign in the 2019 FIBA 3X3 World Tour Masters in Doha, Qatar.

Karl Dehesa and Santi Santillan and league commissioner Eric Altamirano will not be with their families during this break as they carry the flag in the World Tour.

“I think this is the first time I will be playing during the Holy Week,” said Dehesa, a former four-year pro in the PBA who has two kids.”When we were in the PBA, we usually take a break.”

“It’s a sacrifice for your family and for our country,” added Santillan, who just finished his final year in La Salle last season and has one son.

Balanga Chooks, which qualified for the global meet after placing second in the 2019 Chooks-to-Go Asia Pacific Super Quest, have tough task at hand as they face 2019 Wuxi Challengers champion Riga Ghetto at 9:50 pm (Manila time) and Moscow at 11:30 pm.

Only two will advance from the group will advance to the knockout playoffs on Friday.

“We admit we’re nervous because we have a very strong opponent as we’ve seen in our scouting reporter,” Santillan said. “But we’re excited to show that the Philippines is ready for the World Tour.” Celest Flores-Colina