Kanaah Trading Group, with ASTEC officers during the opening ceremonies.JEDDAH: Dubbed as the 1st Top Cup Team Tennis Challenge, the 21st Astec Team Tennis Tournament went off to a flying start last Friday at the Al-Bilad Hotel tennis courts. Attracting around fifty team entries from various tennis clubs and corporate sponsor teams, this six-week biennial sporting event, will be played at the tennis courts of Al-Bilad Hotel, Sheraton Hotel tennis courts and Jeddah International School (JIS) Tennis Club. Following the parade of the participating teams, Bob Wilso, Recreational Manager of Al-Bilad Hotel, welcomed everyone. In his opening remarks incoming ASTEC Chairman Randy Martin thanked all the participants and various supporters of the event, spearheaded by Al-Kanaah Trading Group, the main sponsor and Al-Bilad Hotel for the use of their facilities. Speaking on behalf of the Philippines Consulate General in Jeddah, Kim Guro spoke on the values imparted by such sporting events in building the Filipino spirit and bridging relations with different expatriate groups within the Kingdom. The keynote address was delivered by Sheikh Hazem A. Saklou, CEO of Al-Kanaah Trading Group, who praised the organizers and the participants for their passion for the game of tennis. The induction of ASTEC 2011 set of officers was administered Bob Wilson. Highlighting the event was an exhibition game between two former Palarong Pambansa (Philippine National Games) players, who thrilled the almost capacity crowd of tennis enthusiasts, with Wowie Repaso winning over Dilson Authentico, on a tightly contested match ending at 10-7. Adding spice to the opening ceremony were the Best Uniform awards given to Zuhair Fayez Partnership in the Category C, Jedah Ranao Tennis Club (JRTC) in the Category B2 and Zuhair Fayez Partnership in the Middle Mix (MMX) category. Best Mascot was won by Yassin and Binsaya Moidu for team Saudi Oger while the Best Muse awards were given to Haiza Utubarra of Samahang Pinoy Tennic Club (SPTC) Category C and Rish Cuerdo for SPTC Category B2. Raffle prizes were also given away to the lucky attendees. Organized and managed by ASTEC (Association of Tennis Clubs, Jeddah), the event is supported by Al-Kanaah Trading Group, distributors of Top Cup (France) ready-made hot drinks, as the main sponsor. Co-sponsors include Winalite Love Moon, Skyfreight Cargo Forwarders and Prince/Deltaz Marketing. __
