Express seek purchase OK

MANILA—Air21 management is just awaiting the signed agreement between its owner, , and Barako Bull’s George Chua regarding the purchase of Chua’s disbanded franchise before it seeks next week the PBA board’s approval of the sale.

Manny Alvarez, Air21’s representative to the board, yesterday confirmed the sale of the Barako Bull franchise to Lina’s group, which, if approved, would make Lina the third person to own at least two teams in the league.

“The (signed) agreement is on its way to my office,” Alvarez said. “We will then pass it to the board for approval.”

Alvarez couldn’t confirm the “more than P50 million” price of the Barako Bull franchise because the purchase was made between the highest management levels of both companies.

Ramon S. Ang of San Miguel Corp. owns Petron Blaze, Derby Ace Llamados and Barangay Ginebra, while Manny V. Pangilinan of the PLDT/Smart controls Talk ‘N Text and Meralco.

The deal, which was signed more than two weeks ago, could bring back Burger King or introduce Mail and More to the league.

Meanwhile, the season-ending Governors Cup, an import-spiced tournament featuring reinforcements of different heights because of a handicapping rule, starts today in Tacloban.

Rain or Shine, featuring Arizona Reid, and Stephon Hannah and the Derby Ace Llamados battle it out in the only game scheduled at 5 p.m. at the Tacloban City Convention Center.

Meanwhile, Petron will welcome new import Ricky Harris today after original pick, NBA veteran Mike Taylor, pulled a hamstring in a friendly with Rain or Shine last week.

Taylor would have been a crowd-drawer for Petron. He has a career-NBA best of 35 points scored against the New York Knicks and was described by Rain or Shine fans during that exhibition game as a great leaper.