BATANGAS -- For the fourth time in five years, Rey Guevarra is once again the Dunk King.
The Phoenix high-flyer did just enough to nose Blackwater rookie Renz Palma to reclaim his throne in the Slam Dunk Contest Friday in the 2018 PBA All-Star Week here at Batangas City Sports Center.
Guevarra's off-the-bounce windmill dunk in the Slam Off earned him a perfect score from all four judges and the distinction as Slam Dunk king.
"Para sa akin, ito ang pinakamahirap na contest," he remarked. "Anticipated na nila kung paano ako mag-dunk. Kung pare-pareho lang ang gagawin ko, parang di na maganda panoorin. Napilitan talaga akong magisip ng bago."
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It was a game challenge from Palma who dazzled the crowd with his high-leaping ability.
Jumping from near the free throw line, the Blackwater neophyte made a 360-dunk to put the fans on their feet, but could only settle for 39 points.
"Sobrang na-challenge ako. Nailabas ko yung mga dunk ko dahil sa kanya. Kailangan ko talaga itaas yung bar para malampasan ko siya," remarked Guevarra, who had to jump over a motorcycle and Fuel Masters teammate JC Intal in the Finals.
He bagged the P30,000 cash prize in the contest presented by PBA RUSH-Cignal with Phoenix Fuel with Phoenix Pulse Technology as major sponsor.
The victory inched Guevarra's closer to tying Nino Canaleta, who has the most Slam Dunk championships with five.
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And he has his sights set on tying that mark next year.
"In God's time, tingnan ko kung kaya ko pa. Kung mabigyan ako ng chance, try ko kuhanin," he said.
Former champion Chris Newsome, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Lervin Flores, and Marion Magat also participated in the competition.(DL)
