day jitters when it lost against Toyota 2-1 during the opening games of the first Prince Tennis Tournament organized by ASTEC (Association of Tennis Clubs in Jeddah), IMC (International Medical Center) recovered from the setback to register impressive consecutive wins in both Categories B and C. In its Category C match against Al-Baik, the IMC tandem of Madonna Martinez and Joy Farren set the pace in the first set by overpowering Donna and Fatima 8-5. In the second set IMC sealed the match 8-0 with a default by their opponents. The third set was handily won by Al-Baik with Divine Mijares and Joy de Mesa defeating Andrea Lariba and Beverly Osteria. In its third match in the Group, IMC beat JIIS-Smiley with the same score of 2-1, to lead Group I with 2-1 win-loss record and earn a slot in the quarterfinals. In Group II-C, SCTC Sarawat dueled with Zuhair Fayez on every point to carve a much-needed victory and lead the pack with a 3-1 win-loss record. The first set was settled on a tie-break in which Tatah Martinez and Bam Hipol edged Elly Dominguez and Liza Peraren, 7-5. The unbeatable pair of Koykoy Esmail and Nieves Ubasa of Zuhair Fayez ensured that the match would go the third set by beating Shiela Harris and Glessy Bercasio, 8-5. The deciding third set was played by the tandem of Tracy Atienza and Beng Tumale against Joy Castillo and Grace Tejada, in which the former led 5-3 before finally yielding the match 6-8 to SCTC Sarawat. Meanwhile IMC's Category B2 players, with Cynthia Mativo as captain, continued its unbeaten run by thrashing ASTEC 3-0 in its initial match and blanking King Faisal team 3-0 also to keep the lead in this Category. In the Mixed Category (C/B2, B1/B1, C/B2) where there are 7 entries, 3 teams are vying for the top spot with 3 wins apiece and already assured of a semifinal slot. They are: King Abdulaziz Medical City-KAMC, finalists in the recent JIS-Tropicana Ladies Tournament, remain the tournament favorite, with 3-0 win-loss record, JIS-Edma with 3-1 and SCTC Danube Dunes with 3-2. Also in contention to have a crack at a semifinal slot is JIS-Bison and Pnoy Xpat, playing under the banner of A to Z Celebration. The ongoing Prince Tennis Tournament 2008, which is expected to end on Nov. 28, drew a record number of 21 ladies teams (10 teams in Category “C”, 4 teams in “B2” and 7 teams in “Mixed” Category). Each team is composed of 3 doubles-players, plus 2 reserve players, playing a best-of-3 pairs format. __
