The Barangay Ginebra-Air21 battle for the Smart PBA Fiesta Conference crown finally begins today with the Kings looking to stretch their franchise-record run and the Express hoping for the best in their first ever finals before an expected sellout crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.

With both teams well rested and raring to plunge into action, the Kings and the Express try to outgun each other in a best-of-seven series tipped to go down-to-the-wire.

Gametime is at 7:20 p.m. after the one-game playoff for third place between the Red Bull Barakos and the Magnolia Beverage Masters at 4:50 p.m.

Ginebra and Air21 are motivated to win the championship with the Kings even making two import changes and one major trade to bounce back from a shaky start to clinch the first finals berth behind an amazing 12-game streak.

The Express, on the other hand, are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for a first PBA crown in six years.

“The title series is a toss-up,” said PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios.

The Kings and the Express are also both confident of their chances. Curiously, the two teams piled up similar 16-8 win-loss records to reach the finals.

Air21 had its big charge in the elimination round which it topped with a 12-6 card while Ginebra started its romp midway through the elims, sustaining it through the playoffs to be on track to surpassing Alaska’s 13-game run during its 1996 grand slam season.

The Ginebra-Air21 duel has been called many names but Air21 skipper Wynne Arboleda puts it aptly: “There’s no favorite nor crowd factor here. It’s going be a battle. Whoever defends well and shoots better will win it.”

Air21 coach Bo Perasol is confident of their chances but expects a very tough job topping a highly touted opponent which hasn’t been beaten in its last three finals stints.

The Express have to contend with players like Mark Caguioa, Eric Menk, Jayjay Helterbrand, Junthy Valenzuela and Rafi Reavis, each one having played at least five championship series.

For Air21, Homer Se, Egay Billones and Gabby Espinas are the only players who have played in the finals, getting the experience in their previous tiffs before joining the Express.

Air21 main men Gary David, Arwind Santos and Ranidel de Ocampo had been exposed in the finals only during their collegiate days.

The Express, however, insist they’re not scared of the Kings whom they fought to 1-1 tie in the elims.

The two teams figured in two previous playoffs with Ginebra prevailing in the 2006 Philippine Cup wildcard and Air21 getting even in the same stage of the same tourney in 2007.

“My players are not highly touted but they’re winners in their own right. Given the chance, they would grab it,” said Air21 mentor.

“To be intimidated is negative. We’re living with our company motto of ‘we deliver no matter what.’ We face tall odds versus Ginebra but we’ll do it,” he added.

Air21 import Steven Thomas expressed guarded optimism, having high respect for Ginebra counterpart Chris Alexander.

At 6-9, Thomas gives away at least four inches in height to Alexander but the two seem to be equal in fighting heart.

Expectedly, the two coaches declined to predict how long the series would last.

“Of course, I’d like it to be short in our favor but that’s highly improbable. But long or short, we’ll give it our best shot,” said Perasol.

“I’m not good at predicting. One thing sure, we’ll try to win each game,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico in search of his eighth crown in the league.