In a night of category LMX games, Dark Horse managed to salvage a win thanks to its big lead in the first two sets as it defeated JRTC via points after their match ended in a 2-2 tie while Saudi Diyar outclassed Uncle Sam 3-1.

In another match, SCTC threw its full might over Siemens in a punishing 4-0 win. With the teams battling to make the next round expect more sizzling games in the 6th ALBAIK Tennis Challenge 2014 played nightly at the Trio-Ranch Country Club tennis courts on the outskirts of Jeddah.

Dark Horse started the match with an impressive 8-2 first set win by Herbert and Armand against JRTC’s Sohaimi and Raj. This was followed by an 8-5 victory by Bobring and Tom over Aliisa and Jimmy for a commanding 2-0 lead. In the third set, Jimmy and Dickies lost the tie-break 7-8 to Tuffs and Amer for JRTC to register its first point. It was another tiebreak loss for Dark Horse’s Edward and Mansoor to Ken and Addeen in the fourth set that enabled JRTC to tie the match at 2-2. The match was, however, awarded to Dark Horse however due to its higher points at 30-23.

In another LMX encounter, Saudi Diyar drew level after two sets with Uncle Sam with Diyar taking the first set behind the heroics of Cats Catalan and Erick who scored an 8-5 win over Kerwin and Vic. Then Uncle Sam’s Robby Manginsay and Allan Pernia won the second set 8-6 against Ricky Salazar and Thamer to put the match at 1-1. The next two sets were a different story as Diyar’s V. Zamundo and Ryan T. outlasted Jun and Julius in the tie-break to take third set with an 8-7 win. Then Lito Z. and Ramon F. dealt the final blow in the fourth set as they defeated Sam and Cizzner at 8-6 for the 3-1 win. The win closed Diyar’s eliminations record at 2-2 to send Diyar to the next round while Uncle Sam absorbed its fourth loss in as many outings.

Over at court No. 5, Saudia City Tennis Club (SCTC) had a field day against Siemens. Efren Bulatao and Jun Vidal started the ball rolling with a tiebreak win against Dennis and Miller in the first set. The win was duplicated by Exan and Ali Sakay as they won 8-3 against Ramos and Chris in the second set. Sensing victory and having enough confidence, Ahmad Lagman and Ernie Capito outclassed the duo of Noe and Ryan 8-4 in the third set. As if it was not enough, Sonny C. and Joel Sakay scored another 8-4 set win against Victor and Nelson for a 4-0 sweep of the match.

Organized by the Association of Tennis Clubs in Jeddah (ASTEC) under the helm of its chairman Francis Idjao Jr. and Tournament Director Tonton Pana, this 27th Astec team tennis tournament is presented in partnership with ALBAIK Food Systems Co. Ltd. represented by Bassam Al-Seyofi (PR-manager) and Ed Cabiedes (branch manager) and is supported by Deltaz Marketing (Racquet Shop), Sky Freight Forwarders and Al Marai Drinks.