Yuwang Basketball League screech to a halt
KUCHING: The 3rd Yuwang East Malaysia Basketball League ( EBL) in September is now cancelled following the last minute withdrawal of a team.
EBL manager Chin Tzin Shien said the league competition was unable to proceed with only three teams.
It is learnt that when the organisers held a meeting in May this year, representatives from the four teams – defending champions Kuching Lord Tigers, Labuan Wasps, Brunei Beruang Blazers and Miri King Kong – had all confirmed their participation in the league to commence on Sept 15.
A ll four teams had also made preparations to recruit players especially foreign import cagers from the Philippines and booked their air flights. The organisers had also sought printers for the tournament banners and bantings and design of the souvenir book.
Then the sudden withdrawal of the Labuan Wasps due to unavailability of the competition venue for the Labuan leg.
“It is such a pity that the organising of this year’s EBL was forced to be stopped but we have no alternative. We will review the competition’s rules and regulations to avoid a similar incident from happening again,” Chin lamented.
However, he said the setback has not affected the ir confidence and determination to stage the EBL next year.
“We are looking to get the participation of more teams and hopefully we can organise it better next year,” he said, adding that any interested teams in East Malaysia can contact him at 010- 9793333 for further details.
“As long as the teams are interested, it doesn’t matter which town or city they are based in as I am even ready to fly over to their place to have discussions with their team officials,” he added.
Yuwang EBL, sponsored by Yuwang Group, started with four teams in 2015 where Lord Tiger beat Labuan Wasps for the crown and Kota Kinabalu Eagles and Miri Firehorses were third and fourth respectively.
The following year saw Lord Tiger retaining their title after beating Labuan Wasps again while Kota Kinabalu Eagles and Brunei Bears were third and fourth.
This year, Miri King Kong had replaced Kota Kinabalu Eagles which decided not to
join.