PUERTO PRINCESA – Jeric Fortuna was a first-time participant in the Obstacle Challenge, and basically had no idea of its mechanics.
So when Fortuna participated in the event joined by familiar and more heralded players, the former University of Santo Tomas stalwart seeked advice from the veterans.
“First time ko sumali, I have no idea kung paano gagawin kaya nanghingi ko ng tips, particularly kay Jonas kasi four-time champion,” added Fortuna.
“Si Jonas ang nagbigay sa kin ng advice. May mga nagbigay ng tip kung paano gawin yung bounce pass, pero sinabi nila nagkakatalo daw yan sa three-point shooting. Naging confident lang talaga ako,” added Fortuna.
True enough, Fortuna learned from the four-time champion quickly.
He started the round with a 32-second finish to join Chris Banchero, who wound up with the best time of 28 seconds and Villanueva in the final round.
Fortuna won the prize of P60,000 which the third-string guard plans to give some of the purse to Villanueva, but kidded: “Sana makalimutan niya.”
Villanueva, who was gunning for a fifth title, acknowledged the defeat: “Nadale tayo ng mga bata.”
Photo by Nuki Sabio
