JEDDAH - Budget-Rent-A-Car lived up to their top billing as the team to watch after they clinched and defended the Mix category crown in a close 3-2 victory over Saudi Oger of the 10th Seiko Team Tennis Challenge, Year End Team Tennis Tournament held at the Al Bilad Hotel tennis courts over the weekend.

The manner in which they came through to the finals showed they are both worthy of their places, though. Rey Diega and Mike Marquez (B2+C) started strongly but had a difficult time playing against the pesky Erwin Tolentino and Rene Ponce but later prevailed for an 8-6 win. A big disappointment struck Budget when Jojo Aran who was paired with Ferdie Rima in the B1/B2 combination was forced to retire early on the set with the score standing at 30-30 of the first game because of leg cramps giving the set to Saudi Oger's Cromwel Marzo and Sev Sumaya to draw level at 1-1. Lito Dumas and Ricky Zabate (B+/B) proved their on court pedigree when they prevailed against Rodel Rina and Nilo Loremia and in tense tie-breaker 8-7 (8-6). Francis Idjao and Bong Andales (B1/B) levelled at 2-2 after trashing Alex Duma and Orly Mamaril in a one-sided 8-2 score. In the fifth B2+C tandem, Dodong Padere and Tayser Joufi set the tempo of the game leading at 7-5 but George Bornales and Job Mago were quick to recover and broke serve to push for a tie breaker. As both team manage to hold their turn of serves, the Budget pair proved to be steadier and thus prevailed 8-7 (8-6) to win the Mix category crown.

In category B2, Al Madj-Evian team started strongly with Carl Shead and Peter Gruger controlling the games on all angles and came up with an 8-2 output. Henry Sarmiento and Rey Lacsina followed suit with an 8-4 trashing of Erwin Tolentino and Sev Sumaya for Evian to lead 2-0. Dhir Khumar and Jason Chukiriyan surged for an 8-3 win against Jun Alunday and Sonny Valencia to bridged the gap at 2-1. In the fourth set, Saudi Oger's Leo de Guia and Dong Padere rushed to a comfortable 4-1 lead but a break on Padere's serve give way for Evian's comeback. As both team hold serve in the process and de Guia broken on the 12th, Evian took the lead 7-6 but Padere held serve to equalize at 7-7. An exciting tie breaker ensued with the Evian pair dominating 10-6 to capture the title.

This tournament is organized and managed by the All Filipino Tennis Players Association, duly registered with the Philippine Consulate General. It is principally sponsored by Al Hussaini & Co., the exclusive distributor of Seiko watches in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia with Singapore Airlines, Sunrise Sports, Sky Freight Forwarders-MediaCom, TFC-ABS-CBN, Pepsi Cola-Bugshan and Friends of AFTPA as co-sponsors.

Gandour-JeTO gave their supporters something to shout about when they crushed surprised finalist Nestle-Klim in straight set to emerge victorious and take the category C crown. Gandour's Jomari Sarduma and Michael Marquez proved too strong in whipping Felix Ugmad and Danny Anga 8-1. Rene Ponce and Bert Penpena followed through with a clear win against Willy Flores and Elmer Panelo 8-4. Ahmed Zodhy and Danny Acena completed the sweep after winning over Noel Pardines and Bong Mayoral for a clean 3-0 tally.

Meanwhile, Seiko-Kinetic's attempt for category B1 crown was snagged with a 2-3 defeat at the hands of Hidada. In the opening set, Rey Diega and Jojo Aran epitomized their superiority over Francis Idjao and Ferdie Rima as they appeared to have waited for the right time to peel away from the tight match before winning 8-5. Lito Dare and Fritz Masangkay equalized at 1-1 after they played coherently with an 8-5 victory over Jake Viduya and Ely Ramos. Buddy Linameng and Neil Martin was unable to dictate the game against their opponent but did enough to win fairly comfortable to beat Gerry Alcantara and Dominic Dadal 8-4, again taking the lead 2-1. Ed Narvaez and Don Bandeja came to the rescue and saved Seiko-Kinetic from a sudden collapse when they struggled through a grueling contest winning 8-4 against Teody Bea and Gerry Alcantara. With the score level at 2-2, Alam Chaudry and Danny Canoy displayed championship caliber by overcoming some early frustrations and drubbed Mohsen Yousuf and Edwin Agullana 8-3 to finally win the crown.

Awards night and presentation of trophies to the winners will be held on Friday, 10 December at the Al Badr Hotel. For further detailes please call Romy Bugarin 0504625836), Gerry Alcantara 0505425462) and Nestor Sorosoro (0507580489) (Boy Cornejo)