JEDDAH, 1 November — Tenistang Pinoy-Saudi Tel, Saudi Divers and Jaforms posted contrasting victories to emerge as early favorites in Category C, B2 and B1 respectively in the ongoing Seiko Tennis Classic tournament being played daily at the Al Bilad and Sheraton hotel tennis courts.
In category C, LA team went crashing down to TPST who are playing with renewed intensity in a close fifth set decision. After TPST’s Leo Tiu and Ramon Caruana defeated Romy Munoz and Rod Reyes 8-5 in the first doubles, Makee Colacion produced a similar output in drubbing Jerry Sacanle to pull even at 1-set all.
Dominic Dadal and Zaldy Fabiana took the upper edge when they brushed aside Juan Estacio and Rey Pormelda 8-3 but Al Idjiran found an easy prey when he blanked Ruben Nadela 8-0 to tie the count at 2-2.
The final curtain came crushing down on LA team as the gritty tandem of Conrad Perez and Rhill Macapagal overpowered Maynard Enciso and Moises Capili 8-3 for a final 3-2 score Other category C matches gave distinct results: Saudia City made it two in a row by winning against Saudi ABV 4-1 and beating Al Rabie-Pulz 3-2 to gain solo lead in group 2; Siyanco 1 marched their way into the win column hammering the challenge of Saudi ABV 4-1but in the process surrendered to Al Rabie Pulz 1-4; SRL blanked Express Point-United Naghi 2 5-0; G Force 2 prevailed over Portfolio Travel Ltd 4-1 while G Force 1 stormed to a 3-2 victory against Al Bilad team 3-2.
This tournament is principally sponsored by Al Hussaini & Co., the exclusive distributor of Seiko watches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is being organized and managed by the All Filipino Tennis Players Association (AFTPA) under the leadership of its current chairman Ding Miranda.
In category B2, Seiko-AFTPA team triumphed against Al Majal Service Masters in a closely contested battle. Al Majal’s Uly Bartolata and Dennis Manese grabbed the first doubles by beating Rod Ramelb and George Certeza 8-4. Seiko-AFTPA’s Azizullah had to work extra hard before beating Wessam Saab in a tense tie breaker and prevailed 8-7 (7-4) to equalize at 1 set apiece.
The combined efforts of Jess Ruivivar and Dominic Dadal paid handsomely when they clobbered Efren Rodrigo and Azmi Jameel 8-3 to gain the advantage.
However, Aries Galon proved too strong for Hussam Salahi controlling the game throughout and came up with an 8-2 ouput to level the score at 2-2. Al Majal’s hope for a sweep came to halt when the determined Seiko-AFTPA pair of Santos Della and George Bornales resurrected from a 1-5 deficit before finally winning 8-6 against Willie Alarcon and Erwin Tolentino for a 3-2 final tally.
Meanwhile, in other category B2 encounters, Bulacan Aces emerged victorious over SG 4-1; Gulf Express displayed brilliant tennis and proved too strong for Dallah 4-1.
Saudia City was bitterly disappointed by their defeat at the hands of ALJ-Toyota-APO 4-1.
In category B1, Jaforms registered an impressive win by whipping KAIA-Unasco with a 4-1 margin. Seiko team spelt out that they are also a force in category B1 with the rapport they molded within a short period of time paid off when they dismantle Al Rabie-Pulz 4-1.
Also, ABC team emerged victorious over WRJ Forwarders in a closely fought encounter.
ABC’s Noni Fayo and Ruben Rosario inflicted an 8-4 defeat on Danny Canoy and Frank Acosta. Al Ijiran humiliated Adnan Bakr in the first singles scuffle in a lopsided 8-2 match. Art Simine and Romy Torres took back the lead when WRJ’s Don Bandija who was paired with Mar Javarro retired at 5-5 because of injury.
However, WRJ’s Nilo Loremia down 4-7 in the final canto recovered to forge a tie-break and smoothered Mohsen Yousuf before winning 8-7 (7-1).
In the deciding doubles, ABC’s Pol Lauchengco and Bong Zafe were down 2-5 midway in the game but were quick to recover to level at 5-5. With each player able to hold serve in its turn of serve, the tiebreaker was the exact replica of the regular set. The decisive point came through when Zafe made a passing shot that hit down the line on Flosa’s forehand side for a 14-12 margin and a 3-2 final tally for ABC.
