Winners in Seiko tennisfest are feted at a grand gala

Author: 
Special to Arab News
Publication Date: 
Fri, 2002-12-20 03:00

JEDDAH, 20 December 2002 — The All Filipino Tennis Players Association (AFTPA) in cooperation with its major sponsor, Al-Hussaini & Co., the exclusive distributor of Seiko watches in Saudi Arabia, honored the winners of the recently concluded Seiko Tennis Classic Open Singles and Team Tennis Tournament with the matches held at the Al-Bilad Hotel tennis courts.

The much-awaited awarding and prize giving ceremony held at the banquet hall of the Al-Bilad Hotel was graced by Vice Consul Jose Jacob, Mohammad Ali Taleb and Hussam Salahi, Export Manager and Sales and Marketing Manager respectively of Al-Hussaini & Co., Gil Manese, Secretary General of KASAPI Congress and representatives from various sponsors. Vice Consul Jacob who delivered his inspirational speech on behalf of Consul General Kadatuan P. Usop lauded the efforts of the organizing committee in promoting the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers in the region by way of organizing a healthy sports competition. Muhammad Ali Taleb, Al-Hussaini & Co.’s Export Division chief reiterated Al-Hussaini & Co.’s extensive and continuous support and contribution to AFTPA and to the Filipino community in general.

Handsome team and individual trophies and cash prizes were handed over to the champions and the finalists in both the Open Singles and Team categories.

Attendees were also enthralled by the musical rendition of the Al-Bilad Quintet.

Following is the complete list of winners:

Open Singles ‘A’ Event: Champion:Ahmed Mehelmy; Finalist: vacant; semifinalists: Robert Saavedra and William Cis. Open Singles ‘B’ Event: Champion: Larry Zafe; Finalist: William Cis; semifinalists: Bassem Jawi and Al-Ijiran. Category C: Champion: SRL Team; Ruel Consumo, team captain with members Royce Lagarde, Ben Amaroto, Jericho Balaquidan, Gene Jao, Arnel Laparan, Bob Palma, Angelo Quitorio, Bong Siquijor and Obet Vizcarra; Finalist: Saudia City; semifinalists — Express Point-United Naghi 1, TPST-Saudi Tel; Quarterfinalists: Al-Rabie-Pulz, LA Team, G Force 2, Unipak Box Makers. Category B2: Saudi Divers ? Khalid Hizham, team captain with members Serge Taga, Arnel Alburo, Don Bandeja, Bong Cachuela, Jojo Caspe, Rey Diano, Francis Idjao, Mar Javarro and Celso Salenga; Finalist — Al-Rabie-Pulz; Semifinalists; Express Point-United Naghi; Seiko-AFTPA Team; Quarter finalists, Saudia City, Gulf Express, Bulacan Aces, ALJ-Toyota-APO. Category B1: Seiko Team — Geronimo Alcantara, team captain, Bien Villeta, asst. team captain with members Ronnie Belga, Estoy Antegra, Paul Demetrio, Hussam Salahi, Romy Legaspi, Sonny Manangkil, Rommel Cortez and Rommel Villanueva; finalist, KAIA-Unasco; semifinalists, Jaforms and WRJ Forwarders.

Category B1B: Champion — Carlo Gavazzi-Jaforms — Bong Andales, team captain with members Popoy Macaampao, Adi Banuelos, Collin Dektar, Lito Dumas, Vooch Maniri; finalist — Seiko team, team captain Geronimo Alcantara with members Hussam Salahi, Ibrahim Asraf, Gil Baylon, Roden Luangco and Romy Payong; semifinalists ? SG Rexona and KAIA-Unasco. Special Awards were also presented to the following players for their outstanding performances: Best Singles: Category C: Al-Ijiran-LA Team; Category B2, Rene Jamilla, Saudia City; Category B1, Collin Dektar-Jaforms; Category B1B, Collin Dektar — Carlo Gavazzi-Jaforms.

Best Doubles: Categroy C: Omar Quraini and Sami Quraini, G Force 2; Category B2, Celso Salenga and Arnel Alburo, Saudi Divers; Categroy B1, Reggie Sanosa and Adi Banuelos, Jaforms; Category B1B, Martial Barro and Danny Aguinaldo, SG Rexona. Spirit of AFTPA, a distinguished award presented to the Express Point Tennis Club for their outstanding contribution especially to the success of the tournament.

Also presented are the winners in the following categories which were selected during the opening day parade: Best in Team Uniform, Category, Express Point; Category B2, Al-Majal Service Masters; Category B1, Express Point-Hempel Paints. Best Mascot, Nicelle Tan and Ryle Libredo of Al-Majal Service Masters. Meanwhile, AFTPA’s year opening team tennis tournament is set to start on the Jan. 17 at the Al-Bilad Hotel tennis courts. Along the line, the organizing committee has come up with, revised listing of players with their latest classification.

Interested clubs/teams may contact any of AFTPA officers. (Boy Cornejo)

Main category: 
Old Categories: