BEAU Belga, James Yap, and Rey Guevarra are bracing for stiff competition when they defend their respective titles in the side events of the 2019 PBA All-Star Week in Calasiao, Pangasinan.
The burly Rain or Shine big man is gunning for back-to-back titles in the Obstacle Challenge crown against a field led by five-time PBA MVP of June Mar Fajardo.
Joining them in the competition are Mo Tautuaa (NorthPort), Rafi Reavis (Magnolia), Noy Baclao (Alaska), Justin Chua (Phoenix), Prince Caperal (Ginebra), Bryan Faundo (Meralco), Raymar Jose (Blackwater), Russel Escoto (Columbian), and Yousef Taha (TNT).
Yap, meanwhile, is looking to secure his third Three-Point Shootout title to follow up his triumphs in 2009 and 2018. The Rain or Shine gunner, though, will have his hands full as one of his fellow competitors in this year's tilt will be his longtime teammate Peter June Simon of Magnolia.
Top gunners LA Tenorio (Ginebra) and Marcio Lassiter (San Miguel) will also give Yap a run for his money, as young guns like Mike DiGregorio (Blackwater), Roger Pogoy (TNT),
Matthew Wright (Phoenix), Simon Enciso (Alaska), Baser Amer (Meralco), Reden Celda (Columbian), Philip Paniamogan (NLEX), and rookie Robert Bolick (NorthPort).
Guevarra will also look for a piece of history as the Phoenix forward seeks his fifth Slam Dunk title, which would tie him with Nino Canaleta.
Blackwater high-flyer Renz Palma is out for revenge after finishing runner-up last season, as well as former dunk king Chris Newsome of Meralco.
Top overall pick CJ Perez of Columbian and former NCAA Dunk champion Lervin Flores of NorthPort complete the cast.
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