The FIBA 3×3 World Tour Abu Dhabi Masters 2021 kicked off with style on Friday, as residents from across the UAE gathered at the Kaser Al Amwaj on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, to witness some of best 3×3 basketball action in the world.
With the stadium buzzing thanks to friends and families of all ages, Olympic medal-winning 3×3 basketballers, elite players and QUEST winners Team Abu Dhabi took to the court to compete for quarter-final entry. And it was Team Abu Dhabi that took to the court in the opening two games, facing team Utrecht and team Minakami. However, after two hard-fought games, Team Abu Dhabi were unable to qualify for the next round.
As the sun set over the iconic Corniche backdrop, the on-court action heated up has Latvian Gold Medallists Team Riga took to the court, showing their talent to full display. The crowd were clearly impressed, but it’s when Filipino team Manilla Chooks came to court was when they really came to life. But despite two intense games against Serbia’s Team Liman and the Netherland’s Team Amsterdam, the crowd favourites were eliminated from the competition.
In between the world-class basketball, there was plenty of electric entertainment including Face Team Dunkers, world-champion BMX riders, and even Sean Garnier — 2x World Champion Freestyle Footballer — pumped up the crowd during the games. And if that wasn’t enough there were plenty of prize giveaways throughout the day for those in attendance.
After 15 thrilling games, the following teams took the top spots from their respective groups, as they head into the quarter-final incudling Team Ub, Team Riga, Team Antwerp and Team Liman
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, FIBA 3×3’s Head of Events and Partnerships Ignacio Soriano, spoke passionately about the return of Tour:
“Firstly I would like to thank Suhail Al Arifi (Executive Director of the Events Sector, Abu Dhabi Sports Council) for showing his trust and bringing us back to Abu Dhabi — we are here to stay and we’ve come home,” expressed Soriano.
“What we’ve seen today is the best players in the world, including Gold, silver and Bronze Olympic Tokyo 2021 medallists. I would like to wish all the players the best of luck this weekend.”
