Singapore Recap

Philippine Ultimate definitely represented at the recently held Singapore Ultimate Open, with 3 quality teams competing in the Pool A bracket — reigning Singapore 08 runner-up Team Philippines (who was mind-boggingly “seeded” 3rd or 4th), reigning HK Open champs Sunken Pleasure (even more mind-boggingly seeded at 7th), and returning Singapore B-Pool Champs Kidlat.

Saturday saw all Philippine teams playing 5 games in the brutal Singaporean heat (forecast for the weekend was rain. Not!) and in less-than ideal fields (to say that Anchorvale is not the best field to hold an international tourney is an understatement) .  SP dominatedwith decisive wins against Disc Knights and China United among others. TP plowed through their competition with blow-outs against Disc Indo, Shiok, and Vietnam Vudoo. While Kidlat won enough games to place them at the top of the B-Pool at the end of the day.

There was no free beer on field on Saturday and the party was equally disappointing. Sigh.

Sunday started with TP winning their quarters against Australia-based Sizzle and SP defeating Bangkok’s Soidawgz. The morning’s upset was Freakshow (ranked first for some reason) losing to Singaporean coed team Disc Knights Orange (for all you boys, the only name that matters in DK Orange is Chong Pei, who caught the winning catch at universal point). Mo’Chi (ringer team consisted of Asia Ultimate superstars Uli and Yoshio, and our very own Bats Cuyugan) meanwhile easily got through quarters with their win against Shiok.

No doubt the most anticipated game against Sunday was the showdown between SP and TP — a math that was so quality, it should’ve been the finals. SP’s power O-line of Xtian, Peng, Karla, Carlo, Cherry, Camille and Panoy matched points with TP’s all-star O-line of Reema, Wendell, Pia, Nica, Jeffrey, Derek and Buboy/JC/Will. It was a really exciting match that showed everyone watching how far Philippine ultimate has come. In the end, TP pulled away and won over SP 11-8 (I think).

The after-game huddle between the two powerhouses was made poignant thanks to Peng’s emotional speech — one that I hope was recorded. And for the record Jasper, you’re the only one who will ever admit he’s in his “twilight” years (look at Wendell. Never say die!).

Finally, finals between TP and Mo’Chi. TP led most, if not all, of the way, thanks to impressive defensive and offensive plays much to the delight of the crowd — who kept yelling “Pilipinas” or “Pinas” or “Penis” (depending on the accent). Most notable moments were definitely Jeffrey’s lay out D’s and endzone hucks to Dereka and Yosu’s massive endzone layout defense even if 2 Mo’Chi players were way ahead of him. Memories not worth keeping — TP guys cramping up on the field. One word boys: hydrate!

At 10-6 (TP favor) soft cap was called (in SUO there’s a softcap at the final) which made the final a race to 12. After trading points, the score was then at 11-7 — TP had 4 match points to take the Open. After a quick series of unfortunate turnovers, the score was suddenly at 11-all. A fumble within TP’s offensive line turned the disc over and wa quickly picked up by Uli who hucked it to Yoshio for the win. Goddammit.

So yes, we lost. Hay naku talaga!

Another touching post-game huddle, this time by TP, SP, and Kidlat — all the Philippine teams. I really hope someone video’d this because of all the words said by Xtian, Derek, Jude, and Wendell. Mabuhay ang Philippine Ultimate!!

Mythical went to Pia Ybanez (normal!) and Ollie! Wuhoo! But honestly, I thought Jeffrey deserved to be there. The boy has come of age.

Final ranking:

1. Mo’Chi

2. Team Pilipinas

3. Sunken Pleasure

4. Disc Knights

Pool B champions: China United (who beat Kidlat in Pool B semis)

Next tourneys — HK and Beach Championships in October, and of course SPIRITS!!