JEDDAH — The last week of elimination rounds in the 8th AlBaik Team Tennis Tournament being held at the Trio-Ranch Country Club saw ALJ-Tropapips, SGS Tennis Racquet Club and JRTC-Ewaton solidify their top-ranking status in their respective groups in Category C of the Men's Division. Meanwhile, newcomer Aramco-KAUST will square off against Saudi Oger Friends Tennis Club (SOFTC) for a triple tie for the top spot in Group 2, which will be the last match for Category C to complete the Round-of-16 cast. With two missed opportunities to book a place in the semifinals of Category B2, Elaf bowed out of contention after being edged out 2-on-2 on points by SCTC and Uricane teams, while Hidada Tennis Club and JRTC-Raj took the top two spots with identical win/loss record of 3-1. With one more match remaining in the last elimination round in B1-Mix Category, Deltaz Marketing powered by ASTEC officers, remained unbeaten with a 4-0 win/loss record and is now assured of the top spot regardless of the results of its match against winless Zaitown team. In the Lower Mix Category, SOFTC was booted out of competition after it suffered two consecutive losses (0-4) and (1-3) against SPTC and SCTC respectively. Issham International, powered by Uricane Tennis Club, is set to defend its Championship title with an unblemished 4-0 record after it edged out Samahang Pinoy Tennis Club (SPTC) 2 (28)–2 (24) in their latest encounter. SPTC was unable to sustain its 2-0 set initial wins with the tandem of Marlon Pagsanjan/Leo Milarion scoring 8-6 against Robert Mayores/Raldy Sultan, followed by a similar score by STPC's Waymor Carmelotes/Mark Banaag against Ronnie Organo/Junior Salazar. The last two sets were claimed by Uricane's Tuffs Laguindab/Rayyan Sultan and Ricky Salazar/Patriarca with scores of 8-7 and 8-1, respectively, to seal the match for Uricane and the top spot in this Category. Weekend results in the Ladies Division witnessed Saudia City Tennis Club (SCTC) dominating the tennis courts in both categories in Lower Mix and Higher Mix, disposing off its main rival Jeddah International School (JISTC) in split-sets (2-1) in both categories. Organized by Astec under the helm of its current Chairman Bernie Soguilon and Tournament Director Marlon Delfin, this tournament is presented in partnership with AlBaik Food Systems, Inc., and is supported by Deltaz Marketing, Skyfreight Forwarders, Sports Track and Qatar Airways. The tournament is expected to conclude on Nov. 12.
