JEDDAH, 24 May — The 1st Reebok-RP Independence Cup Doubles Tennis Championship began with a bang with the games being played daily at the Al Bilad Hotel tennis courts.
Seeded players reign supreme in four categories at stake with some pretenders of the crown displaying impressive games and sending strong signals to their opponents that by far they are not to be be counted out. An innovative doubles format was introduced for the first time in the tennis community that promises an exciting but strong competition amongst its players.
Nearly patterned after the Davis Cup, each player will be playing singles game first and if the match reaches the third and deciding set a doubles game will be played. The new format drew large support and enthusiasm from AFPTA’s member players.
Part of the tournament is the inclusion of the Ladies Division that will start this weekend and will be played simultaneously at the Saudia City compound. Interested players can still join by contacting any of the AFTPA officers. In the opening Category C matches, Gino Ruperez and Jojo Malapitan won an intense battle of nerves beating Edwin Agullana and Mar Venson 4-8, 8-1, 8-2. Arnel Laparan and Allan Basa were blasted off court by Benny Oandasan and Rey Diega. Mohammad Baroom and Salem Al Juali defeated Boy Florentino and Willy Flores. TPST’s Conrad Perez and Boy Tan’s campaign ground to a halt when they surrendered to Hidada’s Tony Cleofas and Jojo Aran 4-8, 8-4, 8-4. Other category C games showed that Ahmad brothers Aumir and Anwar smothered the duo of Miko Calauag and Joey Liclayo in straight sets, 8-2, 8-6. KAIA’s Obet Vizcarra and Ruel Consumo quashed Saudia City’s Sol Bartolome and Eppie Dumalaon in an enthralling three-hour battle 4-8, 8-2, 8-4.
Omar Ahmad and Dipatuan de Leon emerged victorious by dislodging Corly Obtinalla and Belmor Corpin 8-4, 5-8, 8-4. Jun Casio and George Nolos were doing just enough to edge past Lito dela Merced and Bong Siquijor in straight sets 8-3, 8-2. In category B2, Stephen Maradan and Francis Idjao showed true grit as they edged Celso Salenga and Cesar Requizo 8-3, 8-4.
Willie Caparangca and Elie Sajo won in a fiercely contested match against Adnan Bakr and Hani Abdullah 8-2, 4-8, 8-3. Wessam Saab and Dhir Kumar won in straight sets against Rod Ramelb and Nestor Sorosoro 8-2, 8-3. Saudia City’s Earp Casilac and Leo Borje bucked lethargic plays to turn back Joel Sacal and Paul Lauchengco with an 8-1, 8-3 triumph. Saudi Oger’s Ely Mallari and Gerry Ragunjan enjoyed a solid match and stamped their superiority over Hussam Salahi and Bassem Toumeh 1-8, 8-1, 8-7 (7-4). Steve Coventry and Graham Barker trounced Ramzi Abul Hasan and Ahmed Baotman in a tense three-set battle. This one-month tournament is organized by the AFTPA and is being held in conjunction with the 104th Philippine Independence Day celebration. Zahid Trec (Zahid Trading & Real Estate Co., Ltd.)
NCB’s Bassam Abbas and Hermie Caluag prevailed over Deegee Perez and Rey Lianza 8-7 (7-4), 8-7(7-1) in Category B1. Javeed Bahtil and Hafiz Saad were stretched to the limit before overpowering Mustafa Tarabashi and Hussam Salahi 8-2, 5-8, 8-2. George Garguena and Marcial Barro cleared one of their toughest rival in lower half of the draw when Venus Layoso and Arnold Tavera retired on the third and deciding set, 8-6, 6-8, 6-5.
