While multi-titled Cignal is the undisputed choice as the league's top pick, the Spikers' Turf Open Conference unfolding Wednesday promises to give the other squads a decent shot at winning.

But the departure of many-time Most Valuable Player Marck Espejo and other stalwarts gives the eight other teams decent crack at the championship while making this conference's title chase more exciting and unpredictable.

"Actually, because a lot of players have graduated and many have signed up with various teams, the competition has become stronger," Ralph Ocampo, head coach of VNS-Nasty, said.

"I respect all the coaches, they are good and my belief is that they're human and we're human. They got mistakes and we also got mistakes," veteran mentor Sammy Acaylar of Savouge Aesthetics said.

Despite losing Espejo, Ysay Marasigan and Manuel Sumanguid to the newly-formed Criss Cross, Cignal signed up Bryan Bagunas, Espejo's arch rival since their college days, along with Ronniel Rosales, Giles Torres, Madz Gampong, Nas Gwaza, Cian Silang and Vince Lorenzo to bolster its roster.

Still, new PGJC-Navy head tactician George Pascua is unfazed by Criss Cross and Cignal, saying the title chase will boil down to desire and resolve.

"Everyone's facing challenges. It's a matter of desire and the hunger to win," Pascua said.

Meanwhile, games will be held not just at the Paco Arena but also at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, and the Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna to further boost the popularity of the sport.