Malaysian cagers off to flying start in Bintulu

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Dominique Keller scores emphatically for Malaysia against Taiwan Beer to lead his side to a 94-89 win.

BINTULU: Malaysia edged Chinese Taipei 94-89 on the first day of the inaugural Sarawak Chief Minister Cup International Basketball Invitational Championship at Bintulu Basketball Stadium on Tuesday.

The score was close throughout the duration of the match.

Powered by three import players Chris Daniel Kuete Lontchi, Tony Larmar Lewis and Dominique Keller, the Malaysian selection led Taiwan Beer 27-25 in the first quarter.

The visitors managed to cut their nine-point deficit at half-time (42-51) to four points by the end of the third quarter (68-72).

But the Malaysian side was to able to hang on for a five-point victory.

The other three teams in the tournament are Australian Basketball League (ABL) and two teams from China namely Qingdao Doublestar Basketball Club and Shandong Expressway Basketball Club.

Bintulu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing officiated at the opening ceremony. Also present was Sarawak Basketball Association president Ling Kuok Kai.

Earlier in the opening game, ABL beat Shandong 80-69.

Two matches will be played today (Oct 1) as Taiwan Beer clash with  Shandong while Malaysia face off against Qingdao.

In his welcoming speech, Tiong said that this was the most professional basketball tournament ever organised in Bintulu.

“The basketball lovers and audience in Bintulu are very lucky because they can enjoy the game of such a high standard,” he added.

He also urged the foreign players to find the opportunity for sightseeing and experience on the unique culture including the diversity of races in Bintulu and Sarawak.