TIAONG, Quezon — The second district of Quezon Province and the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) have teamed up to launch the historic D2 Super Cup Invitational Tournament at the Tiaong Convention Center here Friday.

The opening ceremony, led by Quezon Second District Representative David “Jay-jay” Suarez and Tiaong Mayor RJ Mea, marked the beginning of a visionary endeavor to put the district on the sporting map with the help of Converge and Alona party-list Representative Anna Villaraza-Suarez.

Rep. Suarez expressed his gratitude to the PSL, headed by president Rocky Chan, vice president Ray Alao, and commissioner Leo Isaac, for “making the tournament a reality.”

“Pangarap po namin talaga na magkaroon ng malaking liga sa second district as we wanted to bring our hometown to the map of big sporting events, lalo na dito sa natapos nating Tiaong Convention Center,” said Suarez.

“Nakakatuwa at nakakataba po ng puso na maraming teams na sumali. This just goes to show na iyong pangarap natin na maisama ang distrito at mga bayan namin sa sports calendar, na-achieve na natin,” he added.

Tiaong is hoping to make it an annual event to fuel the growth of its sports program and promote its rich history, culture, tourism and economy at the same time.

“Ito pong liga natin ngayon ay hindi magiging first time lang. Mauulit po ito. At hindi lang po sports ang plano natin kundi pati ang promotion ng tourist spots at makakuha ng investors para lalong makilala ang bayan ng Tiaong,” Mayor Mea expressed

The Tiaong Convention Center, which.offers a breathtaking backdrop of Sierra Madre mountain range, can accommodate up to 4,000 spectators.

In the opening match, Siomai King showcased its superiority to roll back Antipolo San Luis Pilgrims, 119-76.

The home team, Tiaong Meaksyon defeated neighbor Gumaca Kuyas, 70-58, in the main game.

Encho Serrano led the way for Siomai King with 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting, three rebounds, and three steals in just 15 minutes of play while Emmanuel Ojuola had a double-double performance with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Veteran Leo Najorda and Kurt Lojera added 13 points each.

Casper Pericas and Peejay Barua also chipped in with 10 points each.

Only three players scored in double-digit for Antipolo, led by Louie Datario, Joshua Buenaflor and Aldrine Gubot.

Dataro finished with 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting, Buenaflor added 13 points and six rebounds, and Gubot contributed with 12 points and five rebounds.

In the main game, John Kobe Dalisay shone for Tiaong with 17 points, three rebounds, and two steals, followed by Clint Escamis with 11 points and Vincent Escamillas with nine points.

Johnlord Balo and Yang Piano led the losing effort for Gumaca with 17 and 16 points, respectively.