Full report in the Ministry of Youth & Sports Malaysia Official Website:
http://menteribeliasukan.net/modules.php?n...howpage&pid=124
1st Asian Cup 2004 – Paintball Tournament (4-5th
Sept 2004), Manila, Philippines
Written by Allan Phang
Team Raskal Malaysia
www.raskalmalaysia.com
Photos by Kathy Chua
Online ASIAN CUP 2004 Photo Gallery:
www.kathychua.kom.ph
Our anxiety and anticipation dissipated as soon as we disembarked from the plane in Manila Airport, Philippines, and were greeted by representatives from the Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippines with Sampaguita garlands (Philippine’s national flower). Team Raskal Malaysia and other foreign teams were given V.I.P treatment by the Immigration Department and Custom. Now that’s what I call "superstar” treatment for us paintballers. Upon exiting Manila Airport, organized transport was ready and waiting for us. We were chauffeured to the organiser’s
headquarters, where we met our host, Mr and Mrs Sonny Torres from Global Gutz and other team members.
As we settled down to refreshments, Mr. Sonny Torres introduced us to his staff and briefed us on his set-up and the tournament. The Philippines Army Paintball Team was also present and as it was their first tournament and being quite new to paintball, we exchanged some paintball tips and tactics based on our knowledge in the game. Later on, we were taken to Manila Southwoods Manor, Golf and Country Club, which was to be our home for the coming days.
On Friday 3rd September, Team Raskal Malaysia conducted their training on the actual tournament grounds, Global Gutz Indoor Arena, Manila Southwoods Golf & Country Club. We did some practice drills using Tippmann’s and were prepared for some strong competition, as all the other teams were well equipped with their personal markers and accessories. We participated in the Asian Cup 2004 without any
markers! This is due to the fact we are not allowed to own our personal marker yet, back in Malaysia.
A total of 18 teams representing their various countries participated in the 1st Asian Cup 2004. They include Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, and Guam. All participating teams were present
by invitation only and were invited to represent their country in this inaugural tournament. The official and only paintball used for the Asian Cup 2004 was Hovid Paintballs from Skirmish Paintball Asia. All of the teams including the organizers were happy with the performance of the paintballs, as it was excellent under such extreme tropical conditions.
Team Raskal Malaysia were truly impressed and appreciative with the response of the participating teams who showed the true spirit of paintballing, with Boonie Dogs, Guam lending us their Angel, Philippine
paintballers and Roel for lending their Dragon Intimidator, Spyder E-99, Autococker and Matrix markers. Not to mention Mr Torres for providing us
with sufficient support throughout the tourney along with a personal assistant from Global Gutz. Even the packed spectators were fantastic, welcoming and cheering each and every team whether local or foreign with such enthusiasm that we were actually embarrassed.
Global Gutz Indoor Arena court is built hyperball style, equipped with clay tennis court flooring. Imagine no believe this! In the players’ preparation
areas, tables and cushioned chairs were covered in WHITE linen. There were fresh flower arrangements on the team tables itself. The floor was even swept clean during lunch! Buffet lunch and dinner were by the poolside and again with fresh linen tablecloth, napkins, silverware, waiting staff and nice thick cushion chairs to rest the aching behind!! Now this is what I call a Class Tournament and I don’t think there’s any tournament in the world where a paintballer is as pampered and given royalty treatment. This is what I call true Asian hospitality all courtesy of Manila Southwoods Manor and Mr. Torres.
Players were provided with a chronograph station and compressed air. The format of the Asian Cup was the round-robin system, with rules & regulations being adopted from other major tournaments. The organizers,
Global Gutz, implemented the one-to-one marshal ruling system, but proved not to be needed, during most of the adrenaline-charged games. The games were very intense, very competitive and fair with some teams
showing fatigue during their final games, as it was quite humid (85%) at times due to the weather conditions (36*C). There were the usual controversies like in any other tournament, but the ultimate referee
was there to step in when it mattered most, albeit in a professional manner. The marshals were quick to respond on the spot, and did not tolerate any unsportsman like actions.
The Asian Cup Tournament needs its own standardize rules and regulations to apply to all participating Asian countries. We are presently seeking help from the experts like Andrew and Gillian Hatton, Russell RuleBook Smith of PBUK magazine and Team Phoenix to train Marshals and officials to an acceptable international standard. Team Phoenix (Top Millennium Series Div. 1 team) will assist and train Asian teams in game tactics and strategy to enable these teams to compete competently at international levels outside Asia.
Team Raskal Malaysia gave the rest of the favourites a run for their money and emerged 2nd runners-up in the Asian Cup 2004 using the borrowed markers! This is also the first time the team had used electronic markers. Local favourites, Philippines Blue and Yellow came in 1st and 2nd with Boonie Dogs fourth respectively. Most of the home and visiting teams were astonished with our performance and for a moment, we even surprised ourselves. Looks like there’s more to paintball then just markers and accessories!!
One impressive point to note in the 1st Asian Cup 2004 – Paintball Invitational Tournament, was the tremendous amount of hospitality and support from various parties. On behalf of all the participating teams, Raskal Malaysia would like to thank Miss Mhay Rondael, the representative from Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines, Mr. and Mrs. Sonny Torres, Miss Leone Samonte the organiser from Global Gutz, and all the Philippine paintballers for making our Asian Cup 2004 experience a comfortable and enjoyable one. We would also like to thank the following sponsors for supporting this inaugural event; DOT, Global Gutz, Skirmish Paintball Asia (Malaysia), Speed Magazine, Rudy Project, Salomon, TC Gan of Hovid Teo and Manila Southwoods Manor. Team Raskal Malaysia would also like to thank their sponsors; Skirmish Paintball Asia, Admiral England, and Adrenaline Paintball (NPNG Sports Centre).Our appreciation goes to Manila Airport staff, for giving us a rousing sent off and ushering us quickly without fuss through Custom and Immigrations
again.
Not forgetting that Manila is a beautiful, colourful and vibrant city. Folks are cheerful, friendly and helpful and a ride in the ‘jeepnys’ (personalized colourful cross between a taxi, minibus and jeep) is an experience in itself. Pay the city a visit and you’ll realize the experience Team Raskal Malaysia will never forget. As Gen MacArthur said ‘we’ll be back’ so will Team Raskal in the near future and in force and will share with our fellow countrymen the hospitality you have shown us. All of us look forward to return to play again
The next Asian Cup 2005 is scheduled to be held in Malaysia. Watch this space. Game on!
