ALKHOBAR, 14 December — The Filipino Expatriates Tennis Association (FETA) has recently concluded its biggest tennis competition, the FETA Open 2001 Tennis Men’s Singles/Doubles Championships at the Al Gosaibi Hotel tennis courts.

The blast of chilly wind brought by the winter season did not bother the huge number of participants and spectators who watched the exciting finals.

FETA president Gus Nunez highly praised the FETA members who managed the month-long tournament. He also commended the participation of various tennis clubs, and all participants and spectators who watched the event.

Nunez acknowledged the support of Sultan Khalid Al Shudairi of Al Jol Company — a support and services contracting company dealing on medical equipments for disabled and computer security system.

The awarding of trophies and prizes was graced by Willie Basilio, administration and finance manager of Al Jol, together with Angel Rufo, marketing manager of Abdullah Fouad, and Fidel Dumanhog of Nora Eastern Corp. Basilio thanked all the participants and praised FETA for staging such a big successful tennis event.

He announced FETA’s continuation support in launching major tournaments annually in the Eastern Province.

FETA tournament director Rey Macarayo and Butch Claro officially declared the results of the finals.

In Flight 1, defending champion Roderick Lazaro from Al Bustan compound overwhelmed the resurgent of former Saudi national player and Davis cupper, Jamal Ashban winning at 7-5, 1-6, 7-5. Jamal surprised the heavily favorite Lazaro by his aggressive serve and volley game.

In Flight 2, Beckbeck Corpuz of FETA defeated Zaki Taher, 6-4, 6-4. Matooq Al Elawi trounced Ali Muhammad in Flight 3 while in Flight 4 Abdullah Al Sheikh won in 3 sets against Mar David. Flight 5 champions were Frank Dobluis and Ricardo Cellona of Saudi Catering defeating FETA’s hopefuls Butch Claro and Rey Perucho. In Flight 6, the champions were Demsey Fernando and Ricardo Portugal of KFMMC and runner ups are Celso Matundan and Jimmy Sorondo.

The FETA management extended their appreciation for the generous support of the following sponsors such as Nora Eastern Corp, Powerhorse, Fal World Expess, Aujan Softdrinks Industries, Cinnabon, Seatlle’s best, The Filipino Channel, Racquet Shop, Quiapo Print Shop, Smash Sports Store, SkyFreight Forwarders, Jarir Bookstore, Al Hoty Est., Issam Kabbani Co., Al Haddad Trading Office, Spring Water Factory and Telemoney.