SPORTS BRIEFS

ToC early bird registration ongoing

The countdown has already begun to the Tournament of Champions 2004, and with only a couple of weeks remaining until the early bird entry discount expires, now is the time to register for one of the region’s premiere golfing events.

The final day to qualify for the $175 fees is Friday, July 23. After that, those wishing to participate in the ninth staging of the tournament will be required to pay $200.

If you are interested in playing in the tournament, pick up a registration form at Las Vegas Discount Golf, Dan Dan Driving Range, the DFS Galleria, any of the Shell gas stations, or at any of the local golf courses. Completed forms should be dropped off on the second floor of the DFS Galleria at the security/administration office. For more information about the tournament, visit the tournament website at www.tocsaipan.org.

25-and-under caging set to start

The BANMI 25-and-under Basketball League is slated to begin in the second or third week of this month.

Players eligible to see action in the league are those whose 26th birthday does not predate the opening of the season. Team rosters should be submitted as soon as possible and should include the participants’ proof of age.

For more information on the upcoming 22-and-under Basketball League, please call league coordinator Abner Venus at 287-5911.

CFL’S Verizon Islanders holding practices

Verizon Islanders of the Commonwealth Football League want is holding practices every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at the airport football field beginning at 5:30pm.

Team representative Gus Romolor is inviting anyone that is interested to practice with the team. He wants his team to be prepared this year and to him, there’s no time like the present.

Saipan fishing tourney on Aug. 28 and 29

The 20th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament will be held on August 28 and 29 and boats from Guam, Palau, Rota, and Tinian are expected to grace the two-day fishing tourney.

The top three ranks will be awarded in the following game fish categories: Bill fish, yellow fin, wahoo, mahi mahi, and skip jack. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first participant to land a marlin weighing over 624.34 lbs. and a yellow fin tuna weighing over 106 lbs.

Applications for the event, containing the rules and schedules of the event will soon be available at the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Fishing Tackle Shop.

For more information on the 20th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Martin F. Duenas at 664-3200/3201 or Wolf Mojica at 234-6615.