Manila Chooks TM off to Montreal for 3x3 World Tour

 

Manila Chooks TM cleared to depart

Manila Chooks TM cleared its latest hurdle on Tuesday, as the entire delegation secured negative results on their RT-PCR testing.

With that out of the way, they are set for a Wednesday afternoon departure from Manila to kickstart their journey to Montreal.

Arrving in Tokyo at 8pm, they will then head to Vancouver after an almost-two-hour layover. After touching down there on Thursday, they will hop on another plane to Montreal.

Upon arrival, they will need to go through another round of testing as they undergo isolation at their hotel. Clear that and they can proceed with in-person practices, something they have yet to do due to pandemic conditions in the Philippines.

Mark Yee expressed excitement about making his debut in the international 3x3 circuit. "Sobrang blessed. Hindi naman natin maitatago na may edad na tayo para maimbitahan tayo sa ganito kalaking tournament. Talagang, kumbaga, lagi ko lang iniisip na sobrang blessed talaga. Sa pagkakataon na ito, hindi ko naisip na mare-represent ko pa ‘yung bansa natin sa FIBA sa tanda ko na ito," shares the 39-year-old.

Yee will be joined in the event by Mac Tallo, Zachary Huang, and Dennis Santos, with Chico Lanete serving as an alternate.

Tough sledding looms for the side as they are placed in Pool D alongside Antwerp and Edmonton.

The former is ranked 8th in the world with three players ranked in the top 50 individually. The latter is led by Steve Sir and is hoping to win the leg hosted in their home country.

Manila Chooks' matchup against Antwerp is slated at 1245am Manila time on September 5, with their matchup against Edmonton takes place six hours later at 650am.

Finish in the top two of the pool will move them into the knockout rounds, where Pool B awaits. Either Ub, Lausanne, or Old Montreal beckons, which takes place on the early morning of September 6.

"Gustong-gusto naming bumawi kasi nabitin kami noong Doha Masters," said Lanete. "Every win and every point counts for us para makakuha tayo ng points para sa Olympics."

The Montreal Masters and the entire 3x3 World Tour is shown on the social media platforms of FIBA 3x3.