Jeddah Ranao Tennis Club (JRTC) sustained winning streak, as both entries in Category C defeated separate opponents to set up an all-JRTC battle for the championship. In the Higher Mix (HMX) category, OdraciR-JBTP squeaked past Al-Shuman to earn the first final slot in the 2nd Al-Baik Tennis Challenge 2010 at the Al-Bilad tennis courts here. It was a successful day for Jeddah Ranao Tennis Club-1 when it ended the finals berth ambitions of BN JUNDI- SETE in a closely-fought match at 3-2, with the latter taking the first set at 8-6. JRTC-1 took the second set (8-3) to level the match at 1-set all. A no-show by BN Jundi in the third set proved costly as JRTC led the series at 2-1 in the best of five matches. Undaunted, BN Jundi proved a tough-nut-to-crack by taking the fourth set in a one-sided 8-1 score and pulled level at two sets apiece. In the nerve-breaking fifth set, Omar Acmad and Rashid Mapunud proved their class against BN Jundi's captain Jimboy Almoro and Roy, with an 8-5 score for the set and the match for JRTC-1 that gave it the first finals slot. On the other court, JRTC-2 was also stretched to the limit by five sets by a fighting Shelter. Buoyed by its other team's victory, JRTC-2 won the bitterly-contested set at 8-6 and together with it, the match at 3-2. Both wins now assured JRTC of lifting the championship trophy when they face each other in the final for the Category C diadem. In the Higher Mix category, Odracir-JBTP booked an entry into the final with a hard-earned victory over team Al-Shuman/JIS via a 3-2 decision. Team OdraciR-JBTP took the first two sets at identical 8-5 scores, but a never-say-die Al-Shuman recovered its deadly rhythm and took control in the third and fourth set at 8-4 and 8-6 to level the count at two games all. In the deciding fifth set, Seb Sumaya and captain Eric Diaz, anchored team Odracir-JBTP with superb teamwork leading to an 8-3 triumph against Noel and Bob for the match, and a seat in the championship series. It will be pitted for the coveted title, against the winner of the other semifinal between ASTEC and Jollibee 8. Other quarterfinals results: B2 Enjaz-Magic bt JRTC 3-2, Shelter bt Jollibee 2 3-2, OdraciR-JBTP bt Jollibee 3 3-0, ELAF bt Sarawat 3-0; LMX JRTC-1 bt DJ Auto Parts 3-2, JRTC 2 bt JIS-TC 3-2, Jollibee 4 bt Gatorade-SCTC 3-0, Enjaz-Magic bt Jollibee 5 3-1. Organized and managed by the Association of Tennis Clubs (ASTEC) Jeddah, this tournament is supported by Al-Baik Chicken as the main sponsor, under the aegis of Bassam Al-Seyofi (PR Manager) and Ed Cabiedes (Area Manager). Co-sponsors are Prince/Deltaz, Al-Enjaz, MetroBank (Philippines) and the Filipino Channel (TFC). __
