ALKHOBAR: The Bankers Tennis Association (BTA), an organization of Filipino tennis aficionados in the Eastern Province, successfully opened the 24th Open Tennis Doubles Tournament last week at the Algosaibi Hotel courts here.
This high profile open tennis tournament attracted various tennis clubs and teams in the Eastern Province and will continue for five weeks culminating on Oct. 19.
Willy De Lara, 2012 BTA president, in his welcome address expressed his thanks and appreciation for the support given by the local tennis community, to various sponsors numbering to around 40 this year and to his colleagues and fellow officers and members of the BTA for their untiring effort in organizing and managing this tournament.
Likewise, Rene Icasiano, BTA tournament director, has recognized the participation of the presidents of the various tennis clubs and associations in the Eastern Province for the Mixed Presidents Tennis Doubles Fiesta, which was the main event and attraction during the opening day of the tournament. This exciting battle of mixed presidents was witnessed by a large crowd of tennis players and spectators, with the brilliant tandem of PJ Briagas, FETA president, and Pete Lazaro, of Al Rushaid Tennis Club, besting the field.
This year’s tennis doubles tournament is divided into four categories: Class A for Flight 2 and 3 players, Class B for Flight 4 players, Class C for Flight 5 players and Class D for Flight 6 players and beginners. Trophies plus electronic items will be awarded to the champions and runner ups. The tournament beneficiary this year is Bantay Bata 163.
The list of sponsors for this year’s tournament include Al Suwaidi Catering, Gulf Air; Emirates Airways; Qatar Airways; Romy Novelles — Al Jazeera; Al Balha Trading Co. Ltd.; Haji Hussein Alireza and Co. Ltd.; Mehmadi Est.; Mohammed Al Beshri Est.; Saudi Readymix Concrete Co. Ltd.; Abdulatif Al Arfaj and Brothers Holding Co.; ANB Telemoney Eastern Region; Sky Freight Forwarders; Middle East Development Co.; Zahid Tractor Co. Ltd.; Bakheet Machinery Co. Ltd.; Gulf Union Cooperative Insurance Co. Ltd.; Fugro-Suhaimi Ltd.; Fil Asia Cargo Forwarders; Basic Chemical Industries; Al Alamiyah Insurance Co. Ltd.; Al Suhaimi Travel & Tourism; Dar Al Saha Dental Clinic; U Mark Sports; Al Rashed Cement — Al Khobar; Arabian Food and Dairy Products; Saudi United Cooperative Insurance; Al Rashed Goodyear; Aujan Softdrinks Industry; Ahmad Algosaibi and Brothers; Ilongo’s La Paz Batchoy Restaurant; Al Iman for Contracting and Trading; CMCI; Aqua Cool; RGP Express; Philippine Express Padala; Al Gosaibi — Pepsi Cola; May Laundry; Healthways; and some other individual sponsors.
BTA Open tennis tournament kicks off
BTA Open tennis tournament kicks off
Benzema hat-trick helps Al-Ittihad to a comfortable win over 10-man Al-Kholood
- The 4-0 win saw the reigning champions climb to fifth in the Saudi Pro League table, but still a sizeable nine points behind leaders Al-Hilal
DUBAI: Karim Benzema scored a first-half hat-trick as Al-Ittihad extended their recent improved run of form to beat hosts Al-Kholood 4-0 and climb to fifth in the Saudi Pro League table.
The reigning champions now have 26 points from 13 matches and remain nine points behind leaders Al-Hilal. Al-Nassr sit in second with 31 points, ahead of Al-Taawoun on goal difference, while Al-Qadsiah are fourth with 27 points.
A difficult fixture for Al-Kholood became almost impossible when defender William Troost-Ekong received a straight red as early as the eighth minute. It came as little surprise that Ittihad would quickly overwhelm the beleaguered home team, with Benzema opening the scoring on 13 minutes from the penalty spot and then doubling the lead on 28 minutes, converting from Muhannad Al-Shanqiti’s assist.
The Frenchman completed his treble in the 35th minute, tapping home Moussa Diaby’s low cross from close range in a very similar manner to his second goal. Saleh Al-Shehri completed the rout six minutes from the end to secure a fourth straight SPL win for the club.
Earlier in the day, Al-Taawoun beat 10-man Al-Shabab 2-0 at home to stay third in the table. Roger Martinez opened the scoring with a 27th minute penalty, nine minutes after the away team’s MohammedAl-Shwirekh had received his marching orders. Angelo Fulgini scored the second in first half stoppage to secure three points and ensure Al-Taawoun bounced back from last week’s loss to Al-Ittihad.
In Friday’s other match, Al-Khaleej claimed a comprehensive 4-0 win over Damac, who had been reduced to 10 men after only 24 minutes. Al-Khaleej sit in ninth place in the standings, while Damac are 14th.
