RIYADH, 5 April — Fresh from the successful conclusion of the Masters Cup Team Tennis Tournament, the Association of Filipino Tennis Players in Riyadh wasted no time and formally launched another activity dubbed as "The Spring Tennis Challenge 2002 Team Tennis Tournament". This action is taking place at the Al-Yamama Hotel Sports Complex, Riyadh every Thursday and Friday from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m..
Tennis myth Jimmy Isla welcomed the participating teams and spectators in a simple ceremony while Bernie De Castro, Head of the Technical Committee declared the opening of the tournament. Isla and De Castro highlighted the importance of holding tennis tournaments with a primary aim of promoting physical fitness and camaraderie among expatriates. AwalNet Surfers Team of Romy Onas and Jojo Minoza secured the Best Team Uniform award where McDonald’s provided refreshments to the players and expectators. Prior to the commencement of the first match of the day, Mitchel dela Cruz and Jellie de Guzman took the part of an exhibition game against Arjay Suarez and Cris Alviedo at 8-6 in favor of dela Cruz and de Guzman.
The Al-Manhal and Spring Beverage Factory sponsored team, Subok Lang captained by Lito Ladio and Leo Gervacio whisked the Drop Shots of Ray Axalan and Bert Manese at 42-32, which served as the opening game of the tournament.
Following matches featured WRJ Freight Forwarders team headed by Steve Marcial and Larry Constantino scored victory over D’Millennium team of Paul Caballero at 44-33. Equally, the Live Wires-2 team of Godo Sarmiento and Lando Nazareno overpowered the Love & Volley team of Romee Masingkil and Ed Galvez at 38-30.
The Hornets team of Jimmy Formilleza and Ardee Diaz hammered the Bodega Boys team of Rene Aquino at 42-35 in the same token as the Passing Shots team of Fidel Lozano and Jimmy Perfas overpowered at 42-35 new comer AwalNet Surfers team of Romy Onas and Jojo Minoza. The E-Launchers team of Chito Abreau and Alfred Pastolero cruised past the Thunderstick team of Dong Calub and Joey Salem at 42-29. This tennis event is organized by the Association of Filipino Tennis Players in Riyadh and fully coordinated by Ceasar Arcenas, Bert Barriga, Jr., Bernie De Castro and Jimmy Isla. According to the organizers, twenty teams are participating in this event composed of different nationalities but mostly Filipinos. Other participating teams are D’Crisscrossers, Hard Ball, Siemens, D’Specialists, D’Conquerors, Al Mohr Cargo, Tie Breakers-2, and the Unified Team.
