JEDDAH, 22 August 2003 — The Swatch-JBL Champions Cup basketball tournament opened with style as teams paraded in their bright uniforms during the opening ceremony held at the Bin Mahfouz basketball court on Thalia St. in Jeddah.
JBL President Mohammad Rasheed Suyat and JBL Chairman Joe dela Cerna led the opening ceremony with Louai Basalamah — asst. sales manager of Swatch-Al Zouman Trading, Muhammad Fariz Diaz of Jeddah Dawa’h Center, Nildo Tan Jr. — Gulf Advance Petroleum area sales manager, Ronald Mangua — Ay Sarap Restaurant gracing the occasion.
In the first match, AMS Baeshen beat Huta Hegerfeld 65-61. AMS Baeshen outran Huta Hegerfeld with a 6-0 blast in the dying seconds. Huta Hegerfeld missed important free throws.
Cachero led with 25 points for AMS Baeshen while Uranga scored 17 points for Huta Hegerfeld.
In the 40 & above division, Team Islam defeated Zahid Tractor 88-73. Team Islam’s coach Ismael Rosales shuffled his wards to tame Zahid Tractor. Lang Indal paced Team Islam with 21 points while Arnel Quiozon top scored with 27 points for Zahid Tractor.
In the last game, Gulf Advance Petroleum/Al Jomaih beat National Air Services 56-52. A trapping defense applied by Gulf/Al Jomaih put them in the driver’s seat. Edgar Dungo and Jeff Torres scored 17 and 13 points respectively for Gulf/Al Jomaih while Felix Alayon led with 16 points for National Air Services.
Thirteen teams will play in the Inter-Company Division: AMS Baeshen, Huta Hegerfeld, Marriot Hotel, Salam Brothers, Saudi Diyar, UPC, Gulf/Al Jomaih, National Air Services, Ay Sarap Restaurant/Al Yanabie, Azizia Panda, Ajwa Rmti, Decor Classe/EasyLife and Hempel Arabian Homes.
In the Veteran Division (40 & Above) six teams: Team Islam (Omar Bill), Zahid Tractor (Naser Bayram), Jaly Express (Abel Chavenia), Saudia Ice Cream (K. Khuleidi), Al Nakki/Easy Life (Saleh) & Tropahan (Danny Lequin).
Four teams will play in the Inter-Commercial open Non-rated: United Yousef Naghi (Jojo Esquivias/Danny Lequin), Al Anjal (Daniel Bokelman), Amico Freshlook (Luoe/Abdu Jamal) & Al Gomri (Boy Teves). Games will be played every Thursday & Friday starting 5:30 p.m.
