Amsterdam HiPRO out to find momentum at FIBA 3x3 Al Bidda Park Challenger 2023

AL BIDDA (Qatar) - With the business end of the season approaching, Amsterdam HiPRO (NED) will be desperate to shrug off indifferent recent form at the FIBA 3x3 Al Bidda Park Challenger 2023 on October 17-18. 

The Dutch Masters headline a strong 16-team field and there are also three tickets available for the Manama Masters, which is the 16th stop on this season's FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

Let's preview all the action.

The Favorites

We'll start with Amsterdam HiPRO (NED), who have gone off the boil since winning their third title of the season in Quebec.

Amsterdam have not even been able to make the final in their last five events, but that hasn't stopped excitement machine Worthy de Jong continue to drip wet. 

 

Amsterdam's path towards a title might include facing top seeds Ub Huishan NE (SRB) at some point. The spectacular Serbs rediscovered their best in Doha with MVP Marko Brankovic in dazzling touch. 

Much like Amsterdam, Antwerp TOPdesk (BEL) will be out to arrest an alarming slump. Since their momentous victory at the Lausanne Masters, Antwerp have not even made the final in their last six attempts.

Their prospects of a bounce back rests on defensive intensity from Dennis Donkor and Jonas Foerts finding the shooter's touch. 

The Field

We've seen upsets galore all season and this could be no exception. Utrecht (NED) and Manila Chooks (PHI) will square off in a Pool B game that could be a do or die clash. 

After the historic success of Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL) at the Shanghai Masters, Sansar MMC Energy should feel extra energized and they could well go all the way if sniper Anand Ariunbold aka 'The Archer' is on target. 

 

There is an all Chinese battle on Day One between Futian (CHN) and Wuxi (CHN) that will be important for both teams hoping to shrug off disappointment from Shanghai. 

Futian will be boosted by the return of superstar Dimeo van der Horst, who will go toe-to-toe with Wuxi scoring machine Stefan Stojacic. 

We can't wait to see Podgorica Kodio (MNE), who return for the first time since their amazing runners-up performance at the Constanta Masters. 

 

They headline a six-team qualifying draw with the two top teams to enter the main draw. 

Pools

Pool A: Ub Huishan NE (SRB), Qualifier, Qualifier
Pool B: Antwerp TOPdesk (BEL), Utrecht (NED), Manila Chooks (PHI)
Pool C: Amsterdam HiPRO (NED), Sansar MMC Energy (MGL), Al Bidda EXPO 2023 (QAT)
Pool D: Futian (CHN), Wuxi (CHN), Lusail EXPO 2023 (QAT)

What's at stake

The top 3 teams in Al Bidda will qualify for the Manama Masters on November 16-17 as part of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on October 17-18 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube page.

FIBA