The Bankers Tennis Association (BTA) will mark its 20th anniversary by holding a week-long high-profile doubles championship games starting Oct. 2 at the Al-Gosaibi Hotel Tennis Court, this was announced by BTA president Manny Ramos. Several anniversary events will be ushered by a one-day exhibition during the opening day to be participated by top-seeded players from various tennis clubs in Eastern Province, according to Conrad Jaberina, tournament director. BTA is the oldest and most prestigious tennis group in Eastern Province. It was founded by Filipino bankers and accountants. In celebration of the 20th year of its establishment, BTA has invited all the active clubs in the region to participate in the doubles tournament. Among the clubs participating in the event are the Filipino Expatriates Tennis Association (FETA), Eastern Lawn Tennis Association (ELTA), Al-Munirah Tennis Association (MTA), KFU Tennis Club, KFMMC Tennis Club, Ranao Overseas Tennis Association (ROTA), Saudi Electric Tennis Club, BCI Tennis Club, Saudi Catering Tennis Club, Jubail United Tennis Club (JUTC), National Guard Hospital Tennis Club, Al-Rushaid Village Tennis Club, Al-Aujan Tennis Club, Jubail United Bahar Tennis Club (JUBTA), King Fahd International Airport Tennis Club (KFIA) and BTA. Ramos said the tournament expects the participation of about 380 players from various nationalities, including Saudi national players. He said there will be many surprise events, including the daily raffles with grand prizes. He said the prizes have been provided and contributed by sponsors who have supported BTA for the last 20 years. The top sponsors include Saudi Ready Mix Concrete Co. Ltd., Sky Freight Forwarders, Cathay Pacific Airways, Chowking Restaurant, NESMA, Abdullah Fouad Holdings, General Automotive Services Co., Rawabi Holding Co., Aujan Industries Company, Methanol Chemicals Company, CMCI, Gulf Union Insurance, Fugro-Suhaimi, Al-Suhaimi Travel Agency, Al-Alamia Insurance Company, Racquet Shop, Aqua Cool, RT Sports, The Filipino Channel, Nakhonsawan Thai Restaurant and Phuket Restauarant. New sponsors have also signed up, including Bisley Middle East, AFM Architects and Consulting, United Arab Can Manufacturing, Gulf Carton Factory, Bakhashab Transport Company, and Al-Eman Printing Press. Tournament director Conrad Jaberina said the deadline for submission of entries is Sept. 24. Entries should be submitted to Al-Gosaibi Hotel Tennis Court, Racquet Shop, Ras Tanura Sports, Chowking Restaurant, Sky Freight Forwarders, or to one of the following BTA members: Manny Ramos (898-6500 and 0505871096), Conrad Jaberina (0506817214), Rene Icasiano (8872017 and 0502829003), Alex Navarro (8472466 Ext 246 and 0553844009), Jun Robles (8946540 and 0502101604), Willy de Lara (0504803048) and Jun Co (0509446650). __
