Streetball swagger on show

The competition in full swing during the AND1 3x3

Streetball Challenge in Penang Times Square.

DESPITE a downpour, some 540 players from 180 teams turned up for the AND1 3x3 Streetball Challenge at Penang Times Square.

Into its 11th year, the event organised by W.O.S. World of Sports (M) Sdn Bhd saw participants vying for a total of RM7,200 in prize money in four categories — Men Under-21, Boys Under-18, Under-15 and Under-13.

However, the organiser had to cancel some of the planned highlights such as the Slam Dunk, Best Shooter and Best Streetballer competitions due to the unfavourable weather condition on Saturday.

After a delay, the organiser decided to stage a free-throw shooting contest instead where players tried to score from a standing position at a fixed distance.

A player attempting a shot during a game.

Team Phantom K came out top in the Under-21 category to take home the RM900 cash prize.

“The competition was quite strong. We were under a bit of pressure during the shootout but luckily, we emerged the winners,” said Phantom K player Eric Chen Voon Chun, 17.

His brother and teammate Voon Lee, 21, said they had been practising for about four years.

“Discipline is the most important aspect in this sport. Players must be serious and have a strong passion to excel,” said Voon Lee.
The first runners-up and second runners-up in the same category were Closing Ceremony and Carlsberg B respectively.

In the Boys Under-18 category, YTA-E emerged champions, followed by Sky and Berapit Spirit while Just For Victory, Baller and Lucky Ball finished 1-2-3 in that order in the Boys Under-15 category.

YTA-Z were the champions in the Under-13 event, followed by Milo and NWS-1 in second and third spots respectively.

The champions in each category pocketed RM900, the first runners-up RM600 and the second runners-up RM300.

Participants in high spirits after the tournament. With them is Yeoh (red shirt).

The prizes were given out byThe Star senior regional manager (operations) David Yeoh.

“The event has been held every year andStarMetro has always had a close relationship with the organisers.

“I hope the event will expand more in the future as it promotes a healthy lifestyle among the young,” Yeoh said.

StarMetro is the official media partner of the tournament, Milo the official beverage sponsor, One FM the official radio and Spalding the official ball sponsor.