Basketball player representatives from 21 Guangdong cities tip balls into a giant hoop at the opening of "Yue BA", spotlighting grassroots talent, civic pride and the vibrant integration of sports, culture, tourism and business. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

The much-anticipated Guangdong City Basketball League, widely known as "Yue BA", tipped off at Guangzhou Tianhe Sports Center on March 21. Zhongshan secured a comeback victory over host Guangzhou in the opening match.

The much-anticipated game drew more than 6,000 spectators who braved the spring rain to witness the showdown. Guangzhou initially dominated the first quarter, utilizing their home-court advantage to pressure the Zhongshan squad, which featured several seasoned champions from the national "Village BA". 

However, the visitors demonstrated remarkable resilience, mounting a fierce offensive in the final period to overturn the deficit and claim the league's historic first win.

The intensity on the court was matched by the energy in the stands, where fans from both cities traded spirited chants. Beyond the hardwood, the event served as a grand showcase of Lingnan culture and regional pride.

The opening ceremony featured traditional Yingge dances and the mascots of the 15th National Games, while representatives from 21 cities paraded with local "treasures", ranging from Chaozhou iron rod puppets to Zhanjiang oysters.

With the lighthearted slogan "Friendship first, late-night snacks second, and competition third", the league aims to foster a strong community spirit through grassroots sports.

Following this opener, nine more matches will take place across the province, signaling a busy season for basketball enthusiasts in Guangdong.