RIYADH, 26 April — Jimmy Isla once again proved that he still have the winning prowess, a great contribution he shared to the 12-member D’Hornets team to capture the championship title in the Regular Division (A, B, & C) along with the 8-member Game Ka Na Ba team in the C Category, who lifted the world class championship trophies in the recently concluded Winter Challenge Team Tennis Tournament of the Association of Filipino Tennis Players (AFTP) which took place here at the Al Yamama Hotel Sports Complex.
D’Hornets got an average score of 457 with 51 sets won. Their victory came through the efforts of Saleh Al Zahrani, Ernie Serrano, Ronnel Argosino, Rodel Salvatierra, Mauro Lagramada, Nilo Kong, Rico Occasion, Jun Evangelista, Jaime Balala, twin brothers Arjay and Anjo Suarez, and Jimmy Isla.
Maslaha Al Wasia with a total score of 452 with 51 sets won settled for the first runners-up trophies with the following members: Lito Hoyumpa, Bernie De Castro, Salvador Cubillas, Joel Lazafin, Nestor Bulala, Roger Ablazo, Fernan Castillo, Cris Olmon, Ramil Ramos, Roger Paleno, Leo Malubay, and Jollie Boy de Guzman.
The Security Forces Hospital Program team stood as second runners-up with a score of 440 points in 48.5 sets won with the full cooperation of Nelson de Leon, Edwin Ranosa, Del Serrano, Manny Albes, Camar Pancho, Herman Honrado, Jessie Pineda, Ronnie Aro, Danny Pineda, Arnold Hipolito, Wilfred Mangibin, and Pergen Atillo.
The National Commercial Bank Netters with total game points of 433 and 48 sets won finished 3rd runners-up with the full backing of Lito Briones, Ernie Carillo, Thong Asuncion, Dennis Miralles, Ed Robillos, Jun Ponce, Pol Manansala, Jhun Velasco, Fidel Sabado, Kamal Al Amoudi, Mario Torrefiel, and Gilbert Masias.
In the C Category, the Game Ka Na Ba team with a total score of 311 and 42 sets won bagged the championship trophy with members Andy Acosta, Archie Arcilla, Johnny Las Marias, Rudy Hussain, Robert Manuel, Larry Ilagan, and brothers Danny and Zaldy Tumangan.
Pramvaba team with 306 total game points and 40.5 sets won got the 1st runners-up trophy with members Albert Amora, Dundee Valledor, Bert Lopez, Vic Rivera, John Abana, Ronnie Bigtas, John Posadas, and Rene Andes.
The Rookies team with a total of 312 game points and 40 sets won grabbed the 2nd runners-up slot with members Leo Belgrea, Rogie Toledanes, Nelgar Barao, Ronald Agato, Raffy Ocnilla, Roland Pena, Sammy Gacul, and Manny Berro.
The 3rd runners-up crown went to D’Missionaries with a total score of 292 and 36.5 sets won supported by twin brothers Arjay and Anjo Suarez, Pravao Devadas, Bernard Andres, Lito Lico, Daniel Valdez, Cris Alviedo, and Frankie Bajala.
Special awards were given to Passing Shots, Live Wires, and D’Equalizers teams and to the youngest players Jollie Boy de Guzman, twin brothers Arjay and Anjo Suarez who are in their early teens.
Other participating teams were Passing Shots, D’Equalizers, Live Wires, Saudi Telecom, Minsupala, Crown Asia Camella Homes, Shaheen, Vivendi/Metito, Rock Lobsters, Tie Breakers, DQ Smashers, Jade Netters, Acers, Code-Red, Sphere Netters-2 and Saudi Oger.
The successful staging of this tennis event was made possible by the Association of Filipino Tennis Players in Riyadh facilitated by the Team and Assistant Team Captains fully coordinated by Ceasar Arcenas, Bert Barriga, Jr., Bernie De Castro and Jimmy Isla. Sky Freight Forwarders and Fatima Pro Shop also supported said event.
