JEDDAH, 28 May 2004 — Six teams are still fighting it out for the three remaining crowns (Bona fide, Open Non-Rated and Inter-Hospital & Hotel) in the 10th Seiko-18th FBA Basketball Tournament at the Ittihad Sports Club,
FBA President Gil Manese thanked all the officials for a job well done. He also urged the FBA to handle the scheduled "Battle of Regional Champions" between Jeddah (FBA) and Dammam (EPBL) on June 3 & 4 in a similar manner. This event is part of the 106th Philippine Independence Day Celebration on June 12, 2004.
Representatives of sponsoring companies that are expected to attend, along with the Philippines Embassy and Consulate officials, are Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Hussaini, Hussam S. Salahi and Muhammad Ali Taleb of Al-Hussaini & Co. (Seiko), principal sponsor both of the regular tournament and the special event.
Ehab Hamud of Samsung Electronics (UMG), Sheikh Mohammed Y. Zahid and Nasser Bayram of Zahid Tractor & H.M. Co., Ltd, M.A.K. Jeelani of Giordano Fashions, Shawky Al-Sharawi of Power Horse Energy Drink, Othman Balamesh of Saudi Arabian Airlines, Bandar Fahad Alireza of Tokyo Games, Nort Areglado of Metito Arabia Industries, Sami Michamich and Mubarak Bin Madi of Al-Injazat Trading Co. (Nivea) and representatives of other supporting companies like Ronald Mangoa of Ay Sarap Restaurant, Essam Kamel of Pepsi Cola, Emy De Guzman of SkyFreight Forwarders, Jun Astilla of Junastar Cargo, Marlon Manabat and Juanito Magalang of Amer Cargo Services, Bebot Budlong of WRJ Cargo, Joseph Lizares of Mega Top Express Cargo, Bert Nulod of Calson Management Services, Makati Express Cargo, El Gusto Sari-Sari Store and Sports World Tailoring.
Meanwhile, Seiko Team of coach Boy Corsega emerged as the early champion in the open rated division when they neat Titan Team.
Last week, Sharbatly cagers lost their game one to the Unilever-Close Up team (102-92) in a tough ballgame that went into five minutes overtime when the score was tied at 82-82 at close. On resumption, several errors and lapses were committed by Sharbatly resulting in their first defeat
Westin Jeddah, spearheaded by John Gatchalian and Marlon Fordan proved to strong for ALJ-Rehab Hospital cagers of Coach Boy Corsega and Jun Gonzales winning (94-82).
Saudi Oger of Mario Basilio sealed their entry into the finals against Hanco Maintenance of Edgar Ainza when they beat ABS-CBN TFC (86-78).
In a related development, Jeddah (FBA) All Stars team was finalized: Ritchie Estrada, Arnold Bansil, Abril Mabarit, Rey Vitor, Jhong Rapada, Omeng Sahagun, John Gachalian, Dante Rivero, Alvin Serrano, Don Persia, Nonoy Dones, Barry Nader, Soc Pineda and Boy Corsega as coach. The Dammam (EPBL) Selection will consist of Anthony Nabong, Darwin Tuazon, Rolly Visda, Marc Nicolas Morales, Edgar Bucalin, Nrlam Aquino, Noel Malibiran, Jessie Cabayanan, Ernie Baggay and Jimmy Santos. Coaches are Ramil Zarandin & Gil Rivera.
It also includes Rashed Al Hatlan, Jhun Sanchez, Edwin Caliboso, Alex dela Reyna, Santiago Ascutia, Romy Navidad, Kim Cortez and Edgar Ret.
Regional games on June 3 and June 4 will start from 6:00 p.m., as will the championship matches of Saudi Oger, Hanco Maintenance, Westin Jeddah, ALJ Rehab, Unilever-Close Up and Sharbatly (May 27 & 28).
The second season this year will commence from July 23 to Oct. 15, also at Ittihad Sports Club. Clubs may get in touch with Gil Manese (0509794751), Lito Martin (0508662434) and Dick Guinto (0509394338) for registration. Entries will be limited to 18 teams that shall be divided into three divisions (Bona fide, Open Non-Rated and Inter-Hotel & Hospital).
