EJ FEIHL cuts PBA ties.

Gordon's Gin (formerly Ginebra San Miguel) and Formula Shell, two ballclubs whose rivalry kept on reaching a new level every game, open up their respective PBA All-Filipino Cup bids against each other in the featured game tonight at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The Gins and the Turbochargers lock horns at 7:30 p.m. with their pre-season conflict involving Edward Joseph Feihl to play as one of the duel factors.

"The team is not in its best condition yet, the EJ case has somehow affected us psychologically," said playing-coach Robert Jaworski who will be banking on an 11-man lineup against Shell due to the absence of Feihl.

Feihl has reportedly signed up with PBL team AMA Computer College, bringing a new twist to the controversy which started when he sought release from his team of two years. Earlier, his camp called a press conference where he announced his desire to be traded to Shell.

What made the event more controversial was the presence of Shell team manager Jimmy Aizon to the chagrin of Gordon's Gin which felt the other team has a hand in Feihl's decisions.

Jaworski yesterday said he has no knowledge of Feihl entering into a contract with the AMA CyberTigers but added that it is up to the PBA Commissioner's Office to decide on what action to take against the renegade seven-footer.

Going back to the team's scheduled tussle with Shell, the 50-year-old league icon said: "Pero hindi dahil sa nangyari between our team and Shell kaya pipilitin naming manalo bukas. Our team always go for it against any team."

The Gins will be making their first appearance since losing the Third Conference championship to Alaska Milk last December.

In the 5:15 p.m. curtain-raiser, Pop Cola (formerly Sunkist Bottlers) battles Sta. Lucia Realty.

The Bottlers, who are still seeking to get back on their feet since the Third Conference of 1995, will be the underdogs against the Realtors with Vergel Meneses, Ato Agustin, Zaldy Realubit and Bonnel Balingit all coming off recent injuries.

Sta. Lucia will be banking on its new-found strength from the outside with the addition of the sweet-shooting Elmer Cabahug to the lineup.