TWO Cebuano teams are still in contention for the men’s crown of the Beach Volleyball Republic (BVR) On Tour after the elimination round on Saturday, March 23, at the Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island.
The duo of Jade Becaldo and Kevin Juban of Team Visayas 1 and Raphy Abanto and Fortunato Libres of Team Visayas 2 both moved on to the quarterfinal.
Becaldo, a veteran who has won multiple titles in BVR, is making his comeback after being sidelined for about eight months due to an injury and his coaching responsibilities.
Becaldo teamed up with his student Juban for the first time after the duo won the gold medal in the Philippine National Games (PNG) held in Cebu last year.
Team Visayas 1 beat Russian Cebu in straight sets, 21-7, 21-9, and the Philippine Air Force, 21-14, 21-14, to move on the quarterfinals.
When BVR was held in Bantayan Island last year, Becaldo bagged the crown playing with Calvin Sarte under the Ato Ni Bai Team.
“There’s a bit of rust because it has been a while since I played in a tournament. But there should be no excuses, we just have to play our best,” said Becaldo.
“We have played together in the PNG and the chemistry. So far, we’re playing well as partners. I just have to play my game and dili mataha to play with him (Becaldo) as my coach and mentor,” said Juban.
Becaldo said he suffered from an ankle and shoulder injury and was busy guiding the team of the University of Visayas Green Lancers in its campaign in the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association and the regional Prisaa.
The quarters, semis and finals will be played today for the both men’s and women’s divisions. (RSC)