Living up to its ranking as tournament leader, Hot Rods snatched victory from Hot Balls in a hotly contested finals game for a come-from-behind win en route to capturing the championship in the recently concluded Samahang Pinoy Tennis Club (SPTC) Summer Challenge 2011. Starting out strong Hot Rods' Erwan Nurlawis and Choi Argarin functioned like a well-oiled machine as it routed the combination of Chet Bautista/Reggie Robles with an explosive 8-1 win. Unfazed, Hot Balls countered with equal intensity as their tandem of Moi Noto and Barum Bahrom foiled the tough doubles combination of Tahir/Ellie Baltar to post an 8-3 victory in the second set that tied the score at 1-1. Hot Balls dominated the third set as Darrell Eltagonde teamed up with Rik Maulion to dispose of Rading Bautista and Vhoi Ortiz via an 8-4 to take a commanding 2-1 lead in the series. When everything was looking gloomy for Hot Rods, their glimmering hopes came alive from the superb duo of Ben Micu and Lino Bautista, who played heads up with their backs against the wall, to steal the game from the Hot Balls Romy Sorra and Marlon Pagsanajan with a convincing 8-4 triumph. This set up the set match score to a 2-2 tie. As per regulations, the tie would be broken via the point system and thus victory and championship was awarded to Hot Rods via a 23-21 score lead. An awards ceremony followed to crown the victors of the tournament. Individual trophies were awarded to the champions Hot Rods and runners-up Hot Balls. Additional special awards were also given to the partnership of Oca Lovitos and Mario Betorio being recognized as best doubles pair for the tournament. With Marlon Pagsanjan being awarded as the most improved player. Individual certificates of participation were also given to everyone who took part in the tournament. A special plaque of appreciation was accorded to Gary Bautro for his continued and untiring efforts in serving the needs of SPTC. Spicing up the awarding ceremonies were special gifts from Bega Austrialian Cheese, courtesy of Atef Rahmoon, Country Manager of Means Marketing Company. The single round-robin team tennis format tournament of the Samahang Pinoy Tennis Club (SPTC) which was played at the King Abdul Aziz University tennis courts with the awarding ceremony held at the Trio Ranch, was another project of the 2011 set of officers under the chairmanship of Ali Callanta. Tournament Director was Oca Lovitos with assistants Marlon Pagsanjan, Ellie Baltar and Ernesto Sandoval.
