to-back wins against RSTP and Al-Shuman as it led the pack in the HMX category, while Smash Magic made it to the winning column in Category B2 after losing its first match but then beating FTC-Murcia 3-1. Team JBTP also continued to pace in the same category by notching its second win in as many outings at the expense of SCTC-Pepsi (4-0). With the matches shifting to high gear, the eliminations round in the 23rd ASTEC Team Tennis Tournament 2012 continue at the Hotel Al-Bilad tennis courts. Jeddah Ranao Tennis Club (JRTC), one of the biggest contingents in the tournament, continued to prove its mettle as it dominated the C and HMX categories. Three successive wins by its Category C team against teams SPTC (3-1), Shelter (2-2 win via points) and ALJ-Tropapips (3-1) placed it atop Group 1 with a 3-0 win-loss card. Its HMX team is also on an upswing, winning its initial assignment via points over defending champion RSTP, helped by a no-show default by RSTP's last pair. It was the match against Al-Shuman that showed its full strength with Danny Natangcop/Maarof Pantaran combining to beat Arnold Bernadino/Arnold Delgado 8-5 in the first set followed by Elias Mangca's impressive 8-3 singles win over Khoja in the second set. The third set featured Arnold Tavera/Marcial Barro crushing Mike/Teody Bea 8-3 and the fourth and final set saw Lantong/Alimbsar Umpa complete the 4-0 sweep by winning via tie-break 8-7 over Cesar Panti/Eloy Torres. In Category B2, Smash Magic reeled from its initial loss. Taking the first two sets on wins by Rommel/Rafik Shaikh of 8-5 over Marlon Delfin/Robert Rayos of FTC-Murcia and an 8-4 victory by Michael/Sam Silvestre against Conrad matias/Erwin Pangan the Magic were poised for the kill. But, FTC's Arman/Edcel Millanes hammered Leo/Rayland with an 8-1 thumping to put FTC back in the game. With the fourth set of Smash Magic's pair of Judex/Armand Bucad ready and eager to show their wares, FTC's pair was nowhere in sight and was declared a no-show default which gave Smash Magic the set and the match at 3-1. On Court 4, Jeddah Base Tennis Players (JBTP) B2 Lacoste team enjoyed its second victory at the expense of SCTC-Pepsi team. JBTP's Lito Mosqueda/Darrell Lee Eltagonde won the first set 8-5 beating Sami/Michael then the second set was taken by the Jun O./Faiz Amil tandem crushing Fayez/Deddy Taryono 8-1 to lead 2-0 in the match. Third set was a very close 8-7 tie-break win by Glenn P./Zaldy Ramos over Song/Haroun Ratag followed by a narrow 8-6 win by Joel S./Joel Chan against Dan Hamid/Mhouz Martinez in the 4th set. The tournament is organized and managed by the Association of Tennis Clubs, Jeddah (ASTEC) with the support of Tony Kassis and Amin Malik of DELTAZ Marketing and Prince as the official tennis balls for the event. __
