The Ultimate Apparel Open 2017
And there I was, thinking that it will be a bit more relaxing weekend than Boracay Open.. I was wrong. Though it only has a few number of participating teams in this two day tournament, Ultimate Apparel Open 2017 had some really exciting games all throughout the weekend. But it wasn't just the games that are making a great impact, the unforgiving sun was also making its presence known. It was so hot that it makes my head hurt and my eyes dry. It was extremely uncomfortable Saturday because of the heat. But who am I to complain? The players are still running, trying to chase that plastic disc. Just like they said, I better stop whining and just stick to shooting.... and that's what I did!
With no surprise whatsoever, the local teams from Boracay island dominated the tournament with ease. But with the participation of the Guam National team and a star studded Currier Island composed of great talents from all over the world, the UA Open slowly but surely is becoming a promising 5 v 5 International Beach Tournament that teams from all over the globe will have to try out.
The front beach of the Pearl of the Pacific was definitely a perfect place to hold a tournament. Though some of the players (mostly from international teams) thought that the pitches are a little small for a 5v5 format(They managed to readjust one of the fields to standard 5v5 during the semis, battle for third and final games). But they sure made it work in the end. Small pitches or not, it seems like everyone still had a good time. I know I did. I mean, Willy's Rock will always be a fantastic background for a beach ultimate photo.
As expected, the final four teams was composed of the powerhouse Boracay Pirates and their juniors. Guam Nationals performed really well the whole weekend and had the opportunity to battle it out against another international team, Currier Island. The Senior Pirates marched their way to the finals like a well oiled machine after defeating their junior counterparts. The game between Guam and Currier Island on the other hand was a little bit more intense. But the team from an unknown island managed to walk away as the victor and had the chance to challenge The Rebels of Beach Ultimate in the final round of the tournament, The Boracay Pirates.
With everyones surprise, Currier island led by April Adalim of the Philippines and David Pimenta of Portugal managed to give the Curriers an early three point lead, grabbing all the opportunity that the Pirates are giving away up until halftime. But with the strong line of Bolantoy, Butchok, Pao-Pao, Charlie and Mai-Mai, the Pirates brought the lead down and went full throttle to seal the final victory. It was an exciting UA Open finale.
For the second straight year, we can all say that the UA Open has the potential to be a great 5 v 5 beach tournament. With Junthir Flores and his Ultimate Apparel crew spearheading the event, there's definitely no other way but up.
Congratulations, Boracay Pirates for winning the 2017 UA Open trophy! Congratulations to all the organizers especially to Mr. Junthir Flores. To all the sponsors and Marshals, congratulations on a job well done. And thank you Ultimate Apparel for inviting us to be a part of the UA Open for the second straight year. Here's to more UA Opens in the future!
Until then, More images to share. More stories to tell...
It's All About U!
See you in Maasin, Southern Leyte!
For more UA Open 2017 photos:
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