Jun Atienza
JEDDAH — After two months of grueling tennis competition among various tennis clubs in Jeddah, ASTEC (Association of Tennis Clubs in Jeddah) concluded its 26th tournament – the 5th Al Baik Tennis Challenge 2013 — with huge success despite many obstacles it had encountered regarding venues and court rental fees.
The tournament, which drew the participation of 63 teams and over 500 tennis players, was held at the tennis court facilities of Al-Bilad Hotel and Sheraton Hotel during the elimination rounds, and the finals events at the Trio-Ranch Country Club.
The winners were honored in the annual awards night held recently at the Iceland Leisure Hall, Jeddah, which was attended by Jim Minglana, Vice Consul, Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, Bassam Seyoufi and Ed Cabiedes of Al Baik as major sponsors and strategic partner of ASTEC.
The Red Sea Tennis Players Club (RSTP), captured the major Championship trophies in categories Middle Mix and B2, while MTTS (Modern Times Technical System) clinched the title in Higher Mix. Newly-organized tennis club, the RPM Renegades, won two titles in Category C and B1, while another newcomer team Azizeyah Tennis Club, composed mostly of Saudi and Indian tennis players, grabbed the spotlight in Category Lower Mix.
Organized by the Association of Tennis Clubs in Jeddah (ASTEC), this event was supported by Al Baik Food Express as major sponsors, with Deltaz Marketing Corp. (Prince) and Skyfreight Forwarders as co-sponsors.
Complete list of winners:
Higher Mix: Champion – MTTS (Modern Times Technical System); finalist – JRTC.
Middle Mix: Champion – RSTP (Red Sea Tennis Players); finalist – Zuhair Fayez Tennis Club; semifinalists - DJ Auto Parts and JRTC.
B1: Champion – RPM-Renegades; finalist – RSTP.
B2: Champion – RSTP; finalist – DJ Auto Parts; semifinalists – JRTC and Black Tigers.
Lower Mix: Champion – Azizeyah; finalist – MTTS; semifinalists – ABTC and Reem Riviera/Uricane. C: Champion – RPM Renegades; finalist – Reem Riviera; semifinalists – Zuhair Fayez and Hidada.
Special awards:
Best doubles: Cat. C – Erick Pamplona & Rey Amosco (SBG-RPD). Cat. B2 – Gerardo Catalan & Ronald Mercado (Sports Track). Cat. Lower Mix – Marlon Delfin & Aldwin Toston (RPM-Renegades). Cat. Middle Mix – Leo Perez & Mido Mohd Abdou (Zuhair Fayez Tennis Club). Cat. Higher Mix – Ricardo Ouano & Elly Mangca (Jeddah Ranao Tennis Club).
Best uniforms: Cat. C – ALJ Toyota Prado. Cat. B2 – DJ Auto Parts. Cat. Lower Mix – DP World. Cat. Middle Mix – Zuhair Fayez Tennis Club. Cat. B1 – Jeddah Ranao Tennis Club.
