REGAL, boosted by guest players from Suntex, kicked off the new season with a 94-92 victory over Fukien in the Chairman's Cup exhibition match at the MacPherson Stadium last night. Second season campaigners Regal have 10 American professionals, including four from Suntex, in their team but were given a scare by plucky Fukien before retaining the trophy. They started the match with Jose Slaughter, Ronnie Ellison, Anthony Lewis, Shawn Jamison and triallist Andre Foreman, who is still looking for a club in the territory. But Fukien started off well and built up an early lead with James Jones and the unattached Carroll Bondreaux - who has yet to land a contract in the territory - quickly finding their scoring touch. Regal changed their whole team in the eighth minute when they were behind 18-24, allowing the Suntex quartet of Tony Duncan, Craig Upchurch, Boney Dexter and John Spencer, to take the court with Everett Foxx. However, they failed to cut into Fukien's advantage and at half-way Regal were still seven points behind, trailing 37-44. Fukien, who had to stick to the same line-up with only locally-based part-timer Mark Alessio as a substitute, weakened after the interval and Regal took the lead eight minutes into the second period with Upchurch scoring to put them 58-57 ahead. Regal opened up a handy 83-72 lead with four minutes remaining but Fukien staged a strong rally and Cheyenne Gibson brought the match to a climax with a three-pointer 30 seconds from time to narrow the deficit to one point, 89-90. Regal picked up another two points with free throws by Ellison and with seconds ticking away, they were awarded another two free throws which Ellison again converted to give them an unassailable five-point lead. Ali Asad netted a three-pointer for Fukien just when the buzzer went, but Regal still won the match 94-92. Fukien's Bondreaux top-scored in the match with 32 points while teammate Asad scored 22. Leading scorers for Regal were Suntex centre Dexter with 16 points and Foreman with 15. Fukien coach Cheng Hok-loi was happy with his team despite the defeat, saying: ''We just didn't have the players to juggle around with and the boys were very tired towards the end.'' Regal, who failed to impress last year, although they also won the Chairman's Cup and the four-team invitational President's Cup, are eager to launch a serious challenge for the big titles this season. They have already signed Slaughter, Jamison, Ellison and Lewis but team manager Stanley Au Kai-kwong said there may still be changes in their expatriate ranks. ''This match was more of a trial for our American signings,'' said Au. ''We haven't finalised our team yet and we will also be considering Foreman, Foxx, Gibson and Bondreaux when we make the players selections. ''We are not only looking at who played well tonight but we want to get the winning combination, we will closely study each and every player and make our final selection by Friday.'' ''Honestly speaking, I'm not happy winning only the Chairman's Cup and President's Cup like last year but I want the team to be challenging for the big titles --the Division A1 league, Senior Shield and Super Commercial Cup.'' Suntex coach Cheung Tai-wing was extremely pleased with his American signings and predicts a very competitive season in store although there will only be seven teams, one less than last year. Cheung said: ''I'm glad Regal gave us a chance to try out our Americans today and Our four expats are all very skillful. We have a more balanced team than last year and we should be doing well.'' They have already signed Slaughter, Jamison, Ellison and Lewis but team manager Stanley Au Kai-kwong said there may still be changes in their expatriate ranks. ''We haven't finalised our team yet and we will also be considering Foreman, Foxx, Gibson and Bondreaux when we make the players selections,'' said Au. ''We are not only looking at who played well tonight but we want to get the winning combination, we will closely study each and every player and make our final selection by Friday.'' Suntex coach Cheung Tai-wing was pleased with his charges and predicts a very competitive season in store although there will only be seven teams, one less than last year. Cheung said: ''I'm glad Regal gave us a chance to try out our Americans today and our four expats are all very skilful. We have a more balanced team than last year and we should be doing well.''
