Despite being given the green light by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to hold its beach volleyball tournament, the Philippine Superliga decided to reschedule the opening to mid-February 2021 due to several weather disturbances in the Philippines. 

“After many hours of deliberation that took into account several weather disturbances occurring in rapid and disastrous succession, the safety of all athletes exposed to outdoor conditions and other participants and the effectivity of frontliners assigned to monitor both the Challenge Cup and to render essential public services during a calamity,” said PSL chairman Philip Ella Juico in a statement.

“It is with sadness that the Philippine Superliga has decided to reschedule the PSL Invitational Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup from November 28 to 30, 2020 at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to mid-February 2021.”

The PSL based its decision on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) online briefing last Friday, October 30, as Central Luzon, where Subic is located, will be affected by Typhoons Rolly (Goni) and Siony. 

PAGASA is also expecting up to 3 tropical cyclones each for November and December.

“PSL would like to support the successful completion by these agencies of their respective tasks,” added the statement. 

“The PSL will therefore step out of the way for the common good – so these agencies can give their full attention to the public emergency. The PSL will however find ways to support the work to be done.” 

A total of 9 teams from both the PSL and the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) confirmed their participation in the tournament. 

From the PSL, Cignal committed two teams, Sta. Lucia listed 3 teams, while Chery Tiggo and F2 Logistics are sending one team each. 

PVL’s Petro Gazz and Motolite accepted the invitation to participate in the four-day tournament. 

The IATF officially approved PSL’s beach volleyball tournament proposal on October 17, becoming the only non-professional league to be given the go signal for a restart. 

PSL must comply with the rules and regulations set by Joint Administrative Order group composed of the Philippine Sports Commission, Department of Health and Games and Amusements Board. – Rappler.com