By Danilo Alonso Sy

RIYADH — Saudi French Company/Lagardere Duty Free, Ma’aden and Afras-FRS, known as the Big 3, posted opening day victories in the 7th Annual Saudi Airlines Catering Inter-Company Basketball Tournament at the SACC camp, King Khaled International Airport here.

Khalid Mohamed Al-Zahrani, staff services and accommodation section head, welcomed the league participants and guests led by Consul General of Philippine Embassy – Riyadh, Iric C. Arribas. Other guests included Renato A. Soqueno, PAG-IBIG member services officer; Danilo Q. Calape, SSS representative; Roger F. Basi and Rey Evangelista of I-REMIT; Faisuddin Ahmed of Fawri; Francis Normel Fajardo of RCBC; Basit Nagamura of MYPOT; Anwar L. Abdul and Raymond Calabia of PNB-Tahweel Al-Rajhi Centers; Ghulam Dastgir; Joel Alfonso of Vistaland and Roland Lapitan.

Khamis Mehajul of Ma’aden led the oath of sportsmanship. SACC-ICBT-2017 event Vice Chairman Khalid Mohamed Al-Zahrani declared the tournament open and made the ceremonial toss.

Winning the Best Team Uniform awards were Saudi French Company/Lagardere Duty Free (overall champion); Ma’aden and Afras-FRS as runners-up. Selected player from Saudia Brotherhood and Titans group received a special citation for best team escort. The Saudi Airlines Catering Company received the Best Nationalistic Uniform special award. Coach Jimmy Castillo received the award. Saudi French Company was awarded with Most Artistic Uniform Design and Best Uniform Logo Design. Ma’aden won the Best Shoes and Al-Qussie International Company for Most Cheering Crowds. Mark Galang (Saudia Brotherhood), Rhio Padilla (SACC) and Robin Sangil (Ma’aden) were declared Mr.SACC-ICBT-2017, respectively.

A newly joined group Saudi French Company/Lagardere Duty Free of Janno Nunez and Lionel Arguelles stamped its class in a 77-65 victory over Saudia Brotherhood inspired by the presence of the company management team. The trio of John Dizon, Marcel Reyno and Rally Tinai, supported by Jay Camad, Ariel Estaniel, Nordoin Abdulbayan, Ricardo Alconga, Ner Paglinawan, Joean Abalona and Guillermo Cutamora, led the charge for the team.

In the other matches, last season’s champion Ma’aden defeated Saudi Airlines Catering Company 77-42 and Afras-FRS stopped Al Qussie International Company 82-76.

The event aims to strengthen brotherhood and comradeship among Filipinos and other nationalities, especially basketball enthusiasts. The championship is scheduled to close on Oct. 27.

The organizing committee, led by Danilo Alonzo Sy, is consisted of Allan Andres, Julito Gelbolingo, Elmo P. Maraan, Jim Bachecha, Mark Julius Deocareza, Renan Lazatin, Lebrado Sagala, Joel Macaraeg, Danilo Villoria, Jessie Llano, Carlos Coronel, Brimar Garcia, Salvador Dena, Edward Navarra and John Sablan. The SABRA (Saudi Arabia Basketball Referees Association) is handling the tournament officiating.