Redbull Douse Dragons Fire In Shell Rimula Invitational
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Coach Li Quiping of Suncity Dragons will need to go back to the drawing board after his team receives an 88-74 hammering from Remus Redbull in the opening match of the 4th Shell Rimula Ultra Invitational Basketball Tournament 2004 at the National Indoor Stadium yesterday.

The battle between Asia's top basketball team the Shanghai Sharks - playing under the name of Suncity Dragons - and the best of Philippines, the Remus Redbull didn't meet the expectations. From the early on, the Philippine team were in control with their fast pace, and by the end of the first quarter, Redbull were leading the Dragons 28-19, thanks largely to their star player Mick Pennisi who was in fine form.

Redbull were definitely a notch above the Chinese team, their quick and unusual style of passing the ball confusing the Chinese defence and by the end of the second quarter, they had stretched their lead to 47-33.

Looking exhausted from the chase they had to do, the Dragons couldn't crawl back into the match and Redbull steamroll to their first win in the competition - and from the look of things, it would one of several.

Redbull's no. 4 Davonn Harp had a big game, scoring 20 points for the match with eight rebounds off the board. His coach Yeng Quiao was delighted of the team's overall performance and hoped that they would carry the momentum of their win to the next game against Laguna Spring on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, the Brunei National Team conceded a walkover against the Hankook Raiders while Chinese Taipei's no I team, Chuon Tzu Yulon,- defeated Wadura Purefood 83-75 to take the last match of the day.

Yesterday afternoon also saw the official opening of the 4th Shell Rimula Ultra Invitational Basketball Tournament 2004 by Pehin Dato Awg Hj Zakaria, the Minister of Communication in his capacity as the Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

In his opening address, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports-cum-the co-chairman of the tournament organising committee, Hj Jemat bin Hj Ampal, applauded that the positive development and collective efforts between the government and the private sector in promoting sports excellence in the country.

He hopes that the cooperation will continue on for the benefit of Brunei's young sportsmen.

Today Suncity Dragons will face the Brunei National Team at 5pm while Hankook Raiders will meet Wadura Purefoods at 7pm. Chuon Tzu Yulon meanwhile will square off against Laguna Spring at 9pm.

All the matches will be played at the National Indoor Stadium. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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