SUPER CUP. Pilipinas Super League (PSL) officials led by president Rocky Chan (3rd from left) and Commissioner Leo Isaac (2nd from left) join Quezon 2nd District Representative Jayjay Suarez (center) in launching the D2 Super Cup at the Seda Vertis North in Quezon City on Wednesday (May 10, 2023). The tournament has a prize pool of PHP2 million, including PHP1 million for the champion. (Photo courtesy of Ivan Saldajeno)
MANILA – The Pilipinas Super League (PSL) will hold a tournament in Tiaong town, Quezon province early next month in partnership with Quezon 2nd District congressman Jayjay Suarez.
Named as the D2 Super Cup, the tournament will run from June 2 to 11.
The tournament has a prize pool of PHP2 million, and teams that make it to the semifinals will share the spoils.
The champion will take home PHP1 million, the other finalist will receive PHP500,000, the third placer will get PHP300,000, and the other semifinalist will win PHP200,000.
"I would like to thank our partners at PSL for allowing us to partner with them in this major sports event that will be happening in the second district of Quezon Province. Ito ang unang pagkakataon na magkakaroon ng ganitong kalaking liga sa aming lalawigan, at natutuwa ang aming distrito na ito ay gaganapin sa second district (This is the first time that a league this big would be held in our province, and we're glad that it will be held in the second district)," Suarez said during the press launch on Wednesday at the Seda Vertis North in Quezon City.
Teams from various localities in the said congressional district as well as PSL squads have already confirmed their participation.
Among PSL teams that have confirmed participation are NBS Kris-Cainta, Pampanga Royce, and Pampanga Giant Lanterns, who will likely play as the Delta.
Chan also revealed that the MFT Fruitmasters, who saw action in the recent AsiaBasket International Championship, are also joining.
He said 16 teams have already expressed intent of joining, but PSL commissioner Leo Isaac added that they will cap the number of participating teams to 20 due to the tight schedule.
To further spice up the games, the PBA legend said teams can sign up two world imports and one Fil-foreign player of unlimited height.
The games will be played in several venues, including the Tiaong Convention Center, Sariaya Sports Complex, and municipal arenas in Candelaria and San Antonio.
"I and the vice president (Ray Alao) visited the [Tiaong Convention Center]... I guarantee you. It's one of the best venues that you can see. Ang laki (its huge) and it's overlooking Quezon," PSL president Rocky Chan said.
Suarez also said they are also looking to hold games in Lucena City and are in the process of securing a venue.
The former provincial governor added that the Tiaong Convention Center is undergoing further improvements to make it fit for both the D2 Super Cup and the PBA on Tour game on June 10 between Meralco and San Miguel.
For the D2 Super Cup, the teams will be divided into four groups and will play a single round-robin elimination round within their respective groups.
The top team per group will face off in the knockout semifinals with the winners advancing to the finals. (PNA)
