BACOLOD Ilahas Seniors ruled the men’s division while the Christian Athletic Volunteers Butanding Cebu was hailed as the women’s champions in the National Tchoukball Championships 2019 at the STI-West Negros University Gym in Bacolod City.
Bacolod Ilahas Seniors captured its sixth championship after defeating Manila Crickets in the men’s finals. Ikthus Sharks settled for second runner-up while Cebu CAV Butanding finished as third runner-up.
Bacolod Ilahas Seniors head coach John Elray Jamelo said in an interview with Philippine News Agency that this year’s championship was the hardest for the team with their opponents already evolving.
“Our team faced a tough challenge en route to the finals,” said Jamelo, who is also the national team coach. “This year’s national championship has shown the huge improvement in the quality of tchoukball in the country.”
He added: “In the past, we would win with a big score difference against their opponents but this time, the matches were very competitive and exciting. We have strong teams.”
In the women’s division, CAV Butanding dominated Ikthus Sharks of Bacolod in the finals. Bacolod Ilahas Señoritas settled for a second runner-up finish.
As national champions, Bacolod Ilahas Seniors and CAV Butanding Cebu earned the right to represent the Philippines in the World Tchoukball Championships 2019 to be held in Malaysia on August 8 to 10./PN
