JIS, Bagwis, Fakeeh, Toyota enter finals in ASTEC-ITF tourney
JEDDAH: The Idjao Tennis Foundation (ITF) under the supervision of ASTEC (Association of Tennis Clubs in Jeddah) has launched its first team tennis tournament-for-a-cause.
The event, which attracted 13 teams in the men’s division and 8 in the ladies’ division, moves around in different location venues that offer free use of their tennis facilities.
In the ladies division, after two weeks of the round-robin phase, Fakeeh team gained the first finals slot in the Lower Mix category by edging out Toyota Yayamanin after splitting the two-set tussle 1-1 (1615). In the other semifinal match, the two sets were likewise split 1-1 between ASTEC-Kagandahan 1(8), 0(3), and JIS Tennis Club, with the latter getting the other finals slot on a score of 0(6), 1(8).
The Middle Mix category (B1/ B2) saw the top two teams in the round-robin phase, Fakeeh and Lanao Lakers Twisters, upset by their respective opponents during the semifinals. JIS’s tandem of Rudill Mativo and Amor Idjao beat Fred Masangkay and Jonathan Contreras, 8-4 in the first-set, while Fakeeh leveled the score board at 1-1 set with its pair of Jomari Machitar0-Ramil Abdua beating Egay Go-Dhuds Villanueva, 8-3. JIS took the deciding third-set 8-4, with its tested pair of Rey Lacsina-Leo Lagdameo to claim the first finals slot in this category.
However, in the other semifinals match, ASTEC-Bagwis turned the tables on its tormentor Lanao Lakers Twisters, who previously thrashed them 3-0 in the round-robin phase.
Bagwis team captain August Talavera paired with Nestor Pandac to take the first set 8-5 against Lanao’s Amenico Benito and Faisal Maznar.
In the second set, the untested tandem of Ica Grecia (Hazel) and Von Daligdig raced to a 7-0 lead against Lanao’s pair of Manny Cabresos and Manding Saibeg before the Lanao pair recovered with two games in succession.
The rally was shortlived as Hazel closed the match at 8 — 2, with an overhead smash on the second match point to seal the victory for Bagwis 2 — 0. Bagwis will face JIS for the Middle Mix category crown.
ASTEC and ITF said proceeds of the tournament will benefit the distressed OFWs in Jeddah, particularly the Saudi Oger employees who have been paid their salaries for months. Early last month, ASTEC and ITF provided relief goods and sacks of rice to the Oger employees, assisted by POLO/ OWWA Welfare Officers Yolanda Penaranda and Priscilla Razon.