Two-time PBA MVP James Yap and Gilas Pilipinas pioneer Chris Tiu are set to rekindle their rivalry as the Fil-Chinese Athletic Association Inc. resumes its premier 40s division on Monday, May 11, at the Tanduay Gym in Quiapo.
Fittingly, opening day of the nine-school tournament will be headlined by the clash between Yap’s Lamtex Pipes-backed Hua Siong College of Iloilo and Tiu-led Xavier School at 8:45 p.m., with the defending champions out to retain their crown at all costs.
Beyond the marquee names, the field is stacked with former high school standouts who once starred more than two decades ago in their respective programs.
Yap, who previously played for three PBA teams, will be reinforced by Ken Bono and first-timer Jaypee Belencion, while Tiu will reunite with former backcourt partners Joseph Yeo and TY Tang under the Powersox-Acrocity-backed Xavier Golden Stallions.
The opening game at 7 p.m. features Big Chill–Chiang Kai Shek College against St. Jude Catholic School–Linea x pesomaxfun.com, with former NCAA standouts Sean Co of Mapua University and Garri Sevilla of De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde leading Big Chill.
St. Jude, however, is far from a soft matchup, leaning on sharpshooters Mark Chua and Christopher Co, both of whom recently earned Mythical Selection honors in the inaugural 50s division.
The 40s division serves as the second installment of FCAAI’s annual competition, following the successful staging of the 30–39 and 50s categories, where Hope Christian High School captured both titles at the expense of Xavier.
Other participating schools include Uno HS, Grace Christian HS, St. Stephen’s, Philippine Cultural College, and St. Peter the Apostle School.
“Just like last year, we expect exciting games because all schools have beefed up their rosters,” said FCAAI chairman Wilbert Loa, who is assisted by Oliver Choa, Alvin Chu Teng, Jardine Bautista, and Willy Chan.
Last season, Hua Siong defeated Xavier in a gripping best-of-three finals series, 2–1, capped by an 89–85 victory in Game 3. Bono was named Finals MVP after finishing with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while Yap also delivered with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
This year’s tournament is backed by Genius Hardware, Ultraforce Tires, Cellboy, PGFlex Linoleum, Boysen, Lamtex Pipes, Jiang Nan, Hangry Pares, Powerhouse Tools, L.F. Fireworks, BYD Valenzuela, BAIC, Jetour, Oedo, 1118 Autospa, and TCL.
