IT started with 32 teams all having the same hope of cashing in on the $500 000 first prize. But right now only eight remain and their hopes and aspirations have all escalated.

That’s the tale of the Unique Entertainment/Banks Premium Beer Futsal Classic which has taken the town of Linden by storm.
The event will conclude on Sunday with the organisers anticipating an exciting climax to what has been the most talked-about sporting event in the mining community.
Many hearts have been broken and tears have even streamed down faces but the leading candidates and tournament favourites are still around with their popularity intensifying.
Hard Knocks ‘A’, led by crafty John Waldron, have developed a reputation of being the team to beat.
Their tally of 19 goals scored on the tournament’s opening night is yet to be emulated while their rock-solid defence led by Randy Small is yet to be penetrated.
Another team poised to reach the final, unless they’re miraculously overpowered before doing so are the New Era Russians; led by Travis ‘Chicken’ Watterton and hailing from the Amelia’s Ward community.
Watterton and goalkeeper Odel Allicock have led their team to convincing wins.
When the tournament continues on tomorrow, Silver Bullets will collide with Young Spartans in the opening game, the Russians and We-is-de-Boss will do battle in the second while Top Class will face Hard Knocks Two and Hard Knock ‘A’ and Phoenix will round off the four-match night.
The semi-finals and final will be played on February 17.
Meanwhile, the organisers expressed their heartfelt thanks to the teams for being highly competitive and making the event a success.
According to one member of the Unique Entertainment, it’s the players who are responsible for bringing out the mammoth crowd that they have been enjoying so far.
“I think we can’t stop thanking the players and the people of Linden for the support shown to the tournament. I think the level of play as well has been overwhelming and one could only imagine what will happen this weekend,” he said.
This is Unique Entertainment’s first venture into organising a sporting event, since they are more well-known around the entertainment spectrum.